The Texts of the White Yajurveda, by Ralph T.H. Griffith

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BOOK THE EIGHTEENTH.

MAY my strength and my gain, and my inclination and my
influence, and my thought and my mental power, and
my praise and my fame, and my renown and my light,
and my heaven prosper by sacrifice.
2 May my breathing and my out-breathing, and my
through-breathing and my vital spirit, and my thought and my
reflection, and my voice and my mind, and my eye and
my ear, and my ability and my strength prosper by
sacrifice.
3 May my energy and my force, and my self and my body,
and my shelter and my shield, and my limbs and my
bones, and my joints and my members, and my life and
my old age prosper by sacrifice.
4 May my preëminence and my overlordship, and my wrath
and my angry passion, and my violence and my impetuosity,
and my victorious power and my greatness, and my
breadth and my width, and my height and my length,
and my increase and my improvement prosper by sacrifice.
5 May my truth and my faith, and my cattle and my wealth,
and my goods and my pleasure, and my play and my
enjoyment, and my children and my future children, and
my hymn and my pious act prosper by sacrifice.
6 May my religious rite and my immortality, and my freedom
from consumption and my freedom from disease, and my
life and my longevity, and my freedom from enemies
and my freedom from danger, and my happiness and my
lying down, and my fair dawn and my fair day prosper
by sacrifice.
7 May my controller and my supporter, and my security and
my firmness, and my goods and my pleasure, and my
knowledge and my understanding, and my begetting and
my propagation, and my plough and my harrow prosper
by sacrifice.

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8 May my welfare and my comfort, and what I hold dear and
what I desire, and my love and my gratification, and my
enjoyment and my substance, and my happiness and my
felicity, and my higher bliss and my fame prosper by
sacrifice.
9 May my vigour and my pleasantness, and my milk and my
sap, and my butter and my honey, and my meal in company
and my drinking in company, and my ploughing
and my husbandry, and my superiority and my preëminence
prosper by sacrifice.
10 May my wealth and my property, and my prosperity and
my growth, and my pervading power and my lordship,
and my abundance and my greater abundance, and my
bad harvest and my unwasted crop, and my food and
my satiety prosper by sacrifice.
11 May my gain and my future gain, and what I have and
what I shall have, and my good road and my good path,
and my success and my succeeding, and my achievement
and my contrivance, and my thought and my good counsel
prosper by sacrifice.
12 May my rice-plants and my barley, and my beans and my
sesamum, and my kidney-beans and my vetches, and my
millet and my Panicum Milliaceum, and my Panicum
Frumentaceum and my wild rice, and my wheat and my
lentils prosper by sacrifice.
13 May my stone and my clay, and my hills and my mountains,
and my pebbles and my trees, and my gold and my bronze,
and my copper and my iron, and my lead and my tin
prosper by sacrifice.
14 May my fire and my water, and my creepers and my plants,
and lily plants with culture-ripened fruit and my plants
with fruit ripened without culture, and my domestic
animals and my wild animals, and my substance and my
future substance, and my belongings and my power be
produced by sacrifice.
15 May my treasure and my dwelling, and my religious service
and my ability to perform it, and my object and my
course, and my way and my going prosper by sacrifice.
16 May my Agni and my Indra, and my Soma and my Indra,
and my Savitar and my Indra, and my Sarasvatî and my
Indra, and my Pûshan and my Indra prosper by sacrifice.

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17 May my Mitra and my Indra, and my Varuna and my Indra,
and my Dhâtar and my Indra, and my Maruts and my
Indra, and my All-Gods and my Indra prosper by sacrifice.
18 May my earth and my Indra, and my Air and my Indra,
and my Sky and my Indra, and my Half-months and my
Indra, and my Lunar Mansions and my Indra, and my
Sky-regions and my Indra prosper by sacrifice.
19 May my Amsu and my Rasmi, and my Adhipati and my
Upâmsu, and my Antaryâma and my Aindra-Vâyava, and
my Maitrâ-Varuna, and my Âsvina and my Pratiprasthâna,
and my Sukra and my Manthin proper by sacrifice.
20 May my Âgrayana and my Vaisvadeva, and my Dhruvâ and
my Vaisvânara, and my Aindrâgna and my Mahâvaisvadeva,
and my Marutvatîya and my Nishkevalya, and my Sâvitra
and my Sârasvata, and my Pâtnîvata and my Hâriyojana
prosper by sacrifice.
21 May my ladles and my cups, and my Vâyu, vessels and my
Soma reservoirs, and my pressing-stones and my two press-boards,
and my Pûtabhrit and my Âdhavanîya, and my
altar and altar-grass, and my Avabhritha and my cries of
Good-speed prosper by sacrifice.
22 May my Agni and my charms, and my Arka and my Sûrya,
and my Prâna and my Asvamedha, and my Prithivî and
my Aditi, and my Diti and my Sky, and my fingers, powers,
and sky-regions prosper by sacrifice.

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23 May my vow and my seasons, and my austere devotion, and
my day and night, thighs and knees, and two Great
Rathantaras prosper by sacrifice.
24 May me One and my Three, and my Three and my Five,
and my Five and my Seven (and similarly up to thirty-three)
prosper by sacrifice.
25 May my Four and my Eight and my Twelve (and similarly
up to forty-eight) prosper by sacrifice
26 May my eighteen-months steer and my eighteen-months
heifer, and my two-year bull and cow (and similarly up
to four-year) prosper by sacrifice.
27 May my six-year bull and my six-year cow, and my bull and
my barren cow, and my young bull and my calf-slipping
cow, and my ox and my milch-cow prosper by sacrifice.
28 To strength, Hail! To Gain, Hail! To After-born, Hail! To
Power, Hail! To Vasu, Hail! To the Lord of Days, Hail!
To the Failing Day, Hail! To the Failing Sprung from
the Transitory, Hail! To the Transitory sprung from the
Final, Hail! To the Final Mundane, Hail! To the Lord
of the World, Hail! To the Sovran Lord, Hail! To Prajâpati,
Hail! This is thy kingdom. Thou art a guiding controller
for the friend. Thee for vigour, thee for rain,
thee for the sovran lordship of creatures.
29 May life succeed through sacrifice. May life-breath thrive
by sacrifice. May the eye thrive by sacrifice. May the
ear thrive by sacrifice. May the voice thrive by sacrifice.
May the mind thrive by sacrifice. May the self thrive by
sacrifice. May Brahma thrive by sacrifice. May light
succeed by sacrifice. May heaven succeed by sacrifice.
May the hymn thrive by sacrifice. May sacrifice thrive
by sacrifice; And laud and sacrificial text, and verse of
praise and Sâma chant, The Brihat and Rathantara.

p. 166

Gods, we have gone to light. We have become the children
of Prajâpati. We have become immortal.
30 In gain of wealth we celebrate, etc: = IX. 5.
31 This day come all the Maruts, all to aid us! Let all the fires
be thoroughly enkindled.
May the All-Gods come hither with protection. May we
possess all property and riches.
32 May our strength fill the regions seven, fill the four distant
places full.
Here may our riches guard us with the All-Gods in the gain
of wealth.
33 May strength to-day procure for us donations strength
range the Gods together with the Seasons.
Yea, strength hath made me rich in store of heroes. As
lord of strength may I gain all the regions.
34 Strength be before us, in the midst among us. May strength
exalt the Gods with our oblation.
Yea, strength hath made me rich in store of heroes. As
lord of strength may I gain all the regions.
35 With milk of Prithivî do I unite me, unite myself with
waters and with plants.
As such may I gain strength, O Agni.
36 Store milk in earth and milk in plants, milk in the sky and
milk in air.
Teeming with milk for me he all the regions.
37 Thee by the radiant Savitar's impulsion, with arms of Asvins,
with the hands of Pûshan,
Controlled by Vâk Sarasvatî's Controller, with Agni's sole
dominion I besprinkle.
38 Maintainer of Law, true by nature, Agni is the Gandharva.
The plants are his Apsarases, namely Delights. May he
protect this our Priesthood and Nobility. To him All-hail!
Ave! To those All-hail!

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39 The Conjoined, Visvasâman, Sûrya is the Gandharva. His
motes are his Apsarases, Swift-moving. May he protect,
etc., as in 38.
40 The Highly-Blessed, the Moon whose rays are like the Sun's,
is the Gandharva. The Asterisms are his Apsarases, Luminous.
May he protect, etc.
41 The Quick, All-reaching, Wind is the Gandharva. The
Waters are his Apsarases, named Energies. May he
protect, etc.
42 The Protecting, Strong-winged, Sacrifice is the Gandharva.
Guerdons are his Apsarases, called Praisers. May he
protect, etc.
43 The Lord of Creatures, Omnific, Mind is the Gandharva.
Richas and Sâmans are his Apsarases, called Wishings.
May he protect, etc.
44 Lord of the World, Prajâpati, whose are the homes above
and here,
Give great protection unto these, the Priesthood and Nobility.
45 Thou art the vapoury sea that giveth moisture. Blow on
me, thou, healthful and blessing-laden.
Thou art the Maruts’ own, the band of Maruts. Blow on
me, etc.
Seeker of aid art thou, receiving worship. Blow on me, etc.
46 Thy lights, O Agni, in the Sun, etc., as in XIII. 22.
47 Lights of yours in the Sun, O Gods, etc., as in XIII. 23.

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48 Give lustre to our holy priests, set lustre in our ruling chiefs
Lustre to Vaisyas, Sûdras: give, through lustre; lustre unto
me.
49 I ask this of thee with my prayer, adoring: thy worshipper
asks this with his oblations.
Varuna, stay thou here and be not angry: steal not our life
from us, O thou Wide-Ruler.
50 Heaven-like is Warmth, Hail! Heaven-like is Arka, Hail!
Heaven-like is the Bright One, Hail! Heaven-like is Light,
Hail! Heaven-like is Sûrya, Hail!
51 I yoke with power and flowing butter Agni, divine, strong-
pinioned, great with vital vigour.
Through him may we approach the Bright One's station,
ascending to the loftiest sky, to heaven.
52 With these thy two ne’er-wasting feathered pinions wherewith
thou drivest fiends away, O Agni,
Let us fly to the regions of the pious whither have gone the
first-born ancient Rishis.
53 The Drop, the powerful, the falcon, righteous, impetuous
bird borne on his golden pinions,
Great, stedfast, settled in the habitation—to thee be reverence!
Forbear to harm thee!
54 Centre of earth, heaven's head art thou, essence of waters and of plants. Eternal, far spread refuge. Homage to the Path!
55 Attached thou standest at the head of all the world. Thy heart is in the sea, thy life is in the floods. Give water: cleave the reservoir. Help us with rain sent from the sky, Parjanya, firmament, or earth.
56 By Bhrigus and by Vasus hath prayer-granting sacrifice
been paid.
Come, Wealth, into the house of him our dear, our well-beloved
one.
57 May Agni, served with sacrifice and gifts, protect our offered
food:
This homage be Good-speed to Gods!
58 That which hath flowed from purpose or from judgment, or
gathered from the wind or from the vision,
Follow ye to the region of the pious whither have gone the
first-born ancient Rishis.
59 To thee I trust this man. Celestial Dwelling! treasure which
Jâtavedas shall bring hither.
After you will the Sacrificer follow. Here recognize him in
the highest heaven.
60 Acknowledge him, ye Gods, in highest heaven. Ye who are
present, know the shape he weareth.
When he approacheth by the God-ward pathways, reveal to
him the meed of pious actions.
61 Wake up, O Agni, etc., as in XV. 54.
62 Convey our sacrifice to heaven, etc., as in XV. 55,
63 With Darbha-bunch, with fencing-wood, with spoon, with
altar, holy grass,
With laud, lead this our sacrifice to go to heaven among
the Gods.
64 Our gifts, our charitable grants, our pious works, our fees to
priests,
May the Omnific's Agni set all this among the Gods in heaven.

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65 There where all never-failing streams of honey and of butter
flow,
May Agni, Visvakarman's own, place us in heaven among
the Gods.
66 Agni am who know by birth all creatures. Mine eye is
butter, in my mouth is nectar.
I am the triple light, the region's meter: exhaustless heat
am I, named burnt oblation.
67 Praise-verses, sacrificial texts, and chanted hymns am I in name.
Thou art the best of all the Fires among the fivefold race
of man
That burn upon this earth of ours. Speed thou us on to
lengthened life.
68 O Indra, for the strength that slays Vritra and conquers in
the fight
We torn thee hitherward to us.
69 Thou, Indra, much-invoked, didst crush to pieces, Kunâru,
handless fiend who dwelt with Dânus.
Thou with might, Indra, smotest dead the scorner, the footless
Vritra as he waxed in vigour.
70 O Indra, beat our foes away, etc. as in VIII. 44.
71 Like some dread wild beast roaming on the mountain thou
hast approached us from the farthest distance.
Whetting thy bolt and thy sharp blade, O Indra, crush thou
the foes and scatter those who hate us.
72 To aid us let Vaisvânara come from the distance far away:
Come Agni, to our eulogies!
73 Sought in the sky, sought on the earth, sought after, all
plants that grow on ground hath Agni entered.
May Agni, may Vaisvânara with vigour, sought for, by day
and night from harm preserve us.

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74 Help its that we may gain this wish, O Agni, gain riches,
Wealthy One! with store of heroes.
Desiring strength from thee may we be strengthened, and
win, Eternal! thine eternal glory.
75 Approaching with raised hands and adoration, we have this
day fulfilled for thee thy longing.
Worship the Gods with most devoted spirit as Priest with
no unfriendly thought. O Agni.
76 Home-hider Agni, Indra, and Brahma, and bright Brihaspati—
May the All Gods, one-minded, guard our sacrifice in happy
place.
77 Guard thou the Sacrificer's men, O Youthfullest, etc., as in
XIII. 52.

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BOOK THE NINETEENTH.

1 SWEET with the sweet, I sprinkle thee with Soma, strong with the strong, the nectar with the nectar, The honey-sweet with what is sweet as honey. Soma art thou. Get dressed for the Asvins. Get dressed for Sarasvatî. Get dressed for Indra the Good Deliverer.
2 Hence pour ye forth the flowing juice, Soma, best Sacrificial food. He who, man's friend, hath run within the waters hath with the pressing-stones poured out the Soma.
3 Purified by Vâyu's strainer, Soma that has passed away forward is Indra's proper friend. Purified by Vâyu's strainer, Soma that has passed away backward is Indra's proper friend.
4 By means of this eternal sieve may Sûrya's Daughter purify, The Soma that flows forth from thee.
5 Soma with Wine, pressed; filtered for the banquet, cleanses priest, noble, brilliancy and vigour. God, with the Bright give Deities enjoyment: give food with flavour to the Sacrificer.
6 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley, etc., as in X. 32. Taken upon a base art thou. I take thee for the Asvin Pair. Thee for Sarasvatî. Thee for Indra the Good Deliverer. This is thy home. For splendour thee. Thee for mans’ vigour. Thee for strength.
7 For each of you is made a God-appointed place: so grant to me a portion in the highest sphere. Surâ the strong art thou. This here is Soma. Entering thine own place do me no mischief.
8 Taken upon a base art thou. Splendour of Asvins, Sarasvatî's manly vigour, might of Indra.
This is thy home. I take thee for enjoyment. I take thee for delight, take thee for greatness.
9 Thou art lustre: give me lustre, Thou art manly vigour: give me manly vigour. Thou art strength: give me strength. Thou art energy: give me energy. Thou art passion: Give me passion. Thou art conquering might: give me conquering might.
10 My she, Vishûchikâ, who guards these two, the tiger and the wolf, The lion and the wingèd hawk, may she guard this man from distress.
11 When, a delighted boy, I bruised my mother as I sucked her breast, Free from my debt, O Agni, I become thereby. My parents are by me unharmed. United are ye all: with bliss unite me. Parted are ye, keep me apart from evil.
12 The Asvins, the Physicians, Gods, stretched out the healing sacrifice, Sarasvatî with speech was a Physician, all with heroic powers investing Indra.
13 Symbols of Dîkshâ are grass buds, of Prâyanîya sprouts of corn, Of Soma-purchasing fried grains are symbols, Soma-shoots and meath.
14 Âtithya's sign is Mâsara, the Gharma's symbol Nagnahu. Three nights with Surâ poured, this is the symbol of the Upasads.
15 Emblem of purchased Soma is Parisrut, foaming drink effused: Indra's balm milked for Indra by the Asvins and Sarasvatî.
16 The Sacrificer's seat is the throne's symbol, the jar containing Surâ of the Altar. The mid-space is the northern Altar's symbol: the cloth for filtering is the physician.
17 Altar by Altar is produced, power, holy grass by holy grass. The stake is by the stake obtained, by Agni Agni carried forth.
18 The Asvins are the Soma store, Sarasvatî the sacred hearth. For Indra formed is Indra s seat, the Matrons' Hall, the house-lord's fire.
19 Orders he gains by orders, by Âprîs Âprîs of sacrifice, Post-offerings by fore-offerings, and by calls of Vashat Âhutis.
20 By victims he gains victims, by ground rice-cakes sacrificial food, By metres kindling-verses, and Vashat-calls by Inviting prayers.
21 Grain roasted, gruel, barley-meal, grains of rice roasted, milk and curd, Are types of Soma: mingled milk, sweet whey, of sacrificial food.
22 Type of parched corn is jujube-fruit; wheat of the roasted grains of rice; Jujube the type of barley-meal, and Indra-grains of gruel-groats.
23 Symbol of milk are barley-grains, symbol of curd are jujube-fruits. Whey is the type of Soma, and milk-mixture type of Soma's pap.
24 The Strophe is the cry, Bid hear? the answer is the antistrophe. Sacrifice! is the Dhâyyâ's form, Pragâthas’ the Yajâmahas.
25 By verse-halves comes the Ukthas’ type, Nivids by Padas he obtains. The type of Sastras is obtained by Pranavas, Soma by milk.
26 Gained by the Asvins is the morn's libation, Indra's libation of mid-day by Indra. Sarasvatî obtains the third outpouring, the offering sacred to the Visve Devas.
27 By Vâyu cups he gains the cups of Vâyu, and by the basket gains the vat for Soma. By the two jars he gains two cleansing-vessels, and by the cooking-pot the pot for cooking.
23 By sacrificial texts are gained the Grahas, and by the Grahas lauds and laud-arrangements. By metres are obtained Ukthas and praise-songs, and by the Sâma-chant the Avabhritha.
29 Draughts he obtains by pouring out libations, and wishes by the utterance of praises, By Samyu he obtains Patnîsamyâjas, and Consummation by Samishtayajus.
30 He gains by vow of fasting Consecration, by Consecration gains the priestly guerdon.
He gains by priestly guerdon faith: by faith comes knowledge of the truth.
31 So far the type of sacrifice was formed by Brahma, and the Gods. All this he gains, when juice is shed, in the Santrâmanî sacrifice.
32 The rite with sacred grass, wine, store of heroes, the mighty ones speed on with adorations. May we, sweet-singing sacrificers, setting Soma mid Gods in heaven, give joy to Indra.
33 All essence of thine own in plants collected, all strength of Soma when poured out with Surâ— Therewith impel with joy the sacrifice, Sarasvatî, the Asvins, Indra, Agni.
34 That which Sarasvatî poured out for Indra, by Asvins brought from Namuchi the demon, This flowing drop, brilliant and full of sweetness, I drink and feed on here, the King, the Soma.
35 Whatever portion of the savoury fluid is clinging here, what Indra drank with powers, That drop thereof with pure and holy spirit I drink and feed upon, the King, the Soma.
36 To Fathers who claim Svadhâ be Svadhâ and homage! To Grandfathers who claim Svadhâ be Svadhâ and homage! To Great-grandfathers who claim Svadhâ be Svadhâ and homage! The Fathers have eaten. The Fathers have rejoiced. The Fathers have been satisfied, Fathers, be ye purified.
37 Cleanse me the Fathers who enjoy Soma! Grandfathers make me clean! May Great-grandfathers cleanse me with a sieve that brings a century. May my Grandfathers cleanse me, may my Great-grand-fathers make me clean. With sieve that brings a century may I obtain full length of life.
33 Agni, thou poorest life: send down upon us food and vigorous strength. Drive thou misfortune far away.
39 Cleanse me the companies of Gods! May thoughts with spirit make me clean. Cleanse me all things that be! Do thou, O Jâtavedas, make me clean.
40 Purify me, O Agni, God, refulgent with thy pure bright sieve, With powers according to thine own.
41 O Agni, may the cleansing sieve, diffused through all thy fiery glow, Holy devotion, make me clean.
42 May Pavamâna with his sieve, Guest of all tribes, cleanse us to-day, He who is Cleanser make us clean.
43 Savitar, God, by both of these, libation, purifying power, Purify me on every side.
44 Dear to all Gods hath come the cleansing Goddess, she who contains these many smooth-backed figures. Through her may we in sacrificial banquets taking our pleasure
be the lords of riches.
45 The Fathers who in Yama's realm are equal and unanimous— Their world is Svadhâ, reverence. To Gods let sacrifice be paid.
46 Equals, unanimous, my folk yet living among those who live— On me be set their glory through a hundred years in this our world.
47 I have heard mention of two several pathways, way of the Fathers, way of Gods and mortals. On these two roads each moving creature travels, each thing between the Father and the Mother.
48 May this my sacrifice bring store of children, with ten brave sons, full-companied, for welfare— Life-winning, winning offspring, winning cattle, winning this world of ours and peace and safety. May Agni make nay progeny abundant. Do ye confer food, milk, and wanly vigour.
49 May they ascend, the lowest, highest, midmost, the Fathers who deserve a share of Soma. May Fathers who have gained the world of spirits, gentle and righteous, aid us when we call them.
50 Our Fathers are Angirases, Navagvas, Atharvans, Bhrigus, who deserve the Soma. May these the holy look on us with favour: may we enjoy their gracious loving-kindness.
51 Our ancient Fathers who deserve the Soma, who came, most noble, to our Soma banquet— With these let Yama, yearning with the yearning, rejoicing eat our offerings at his pleasure.
52 Thou, Soma, art preeminent for wisdom: along the straightest path thou art our leader. Our prudent Fathers by thy wisdom, Soma, dealt out among the Gods their share of treasure.
53 For our sage Fathers, Soma Pavamâna, of old performed by thee their sacred duties. Fighting unvanquished, open the enclosures: enrich us with large gifts of steeds and heroes.
54 Associate with the Fathers thou, O Soma, hast spread thyself abroad through earth and heaven. So with oblation let us serve thee, Indu, and so let us become the lords of riches.
55 Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come help us: these offerings we have made for you; accept them. So come to us with most auspicious favour, and give us health and strength without a trouble.
56 I have attained the gracious-minded Fathers, have gained a son and progeny from Vishnu. They who enjoy pressed juices with oblation, seated on sacred grass, come oftenest hither.
57 May they, the Fathers, worthy of the Soma, invited to their favourite oblations, Laid on the sacred grass, come nigh and listen: may they be gracious unto us and bless us.
58 May they our Fathers whom the flames have tasted, worthy of Soma, come on God-ward pathways. Enjoying at this sacrifice their portion, may they be gracious unto us and bless us.
59 Fathers whom Agni's flames have tasted, come ye nigh: ye kindly leaders, take ye each your proper place. Eat sacrificial food presented on the grass: grant riches with a multitude of hero sons.
60 For those who, burnt with fire or not cremated, joy in their portion in the midst of heaven, May the Self-Ruler form the world of spirits and this their body as his pleasure wills it.
61 We call the Agnishvâttas, true to seasons, those who drank Soma in the Nârâsamsa. Prompt to give ear to us be they, the sages, and then let us be lords of wealth and treasure.
62 Bowing the bended knee and seated southward, accept ye, all, this sacrifice with favour. Injure us not for any sin, O Fathers, which we through human frailty have committed.
63 Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings give riches to the man who brings oblation. Grant to his sons a portion of your treasure, and, present, give us energy, ye Fathers.
64 O Agni Kavyavâhana, cause us to praise before the Gods, As our associate meet for lauds, wealth which e’en thou reputest wealth.
65 May Agni, Kavya-bearer, who hath worshipped Fathers true to Law. Announce to Gods and Fathers these our sacrificial offerings.
66 Thou. Agni Kavya-bearer, when entreated, didst bear the offerings which thou madest fragrant, And gayest to the Fathers who did eat them with Svadhâ. Eat, thou God, the gifts we bring thee.
67 Thou, Jâtavedas, knowest well the number of Fathers who are here and who are absent, Of Fathers whom we know and whom we know not. Accept the sacrifice arranged with portions.
68 Now let us pay this homage to the Fathers, to those who passed of old and those who followed, Those who have rested in the earthly region and those who dwell among the Mighty Races.
69 As in the days of old our ancient Fathers speeding the work of holy worship, Agni! Sought pure light and devotion, singing praises, they cleft the ground and made red Dawns apparent.
70 Right gladly do we set thee down, right gladly make thee burn and glow. Gladly bring yearning Fathers nigh to eat the food of sacrifice.
71 Indra, with waters’ foam didst thou wrench off the head of Namuchi, Subduing all contending hosts.
72 King Soma, pressed, the Drink of Life, left Death behind with Soma-dregs. By Law came truth and Indra-power, the pure bright drinking-off of juice. The power of Indra was this sweet immortal milk.
73 The Snipe of Angiras by thought from out the waters drank up milk. By Law came truth, etc., as in 72.
74 The Hamsa throned in light drank up by metre Soma from the floods. By Law, etc.
75 Prajâpati by Brahma drank the essence from the foaming food, the princely power, milk, Soma juice. By Law, etc.
76 The generative part enters the yoni: it leaves aside the retas and the mûtra. The caul-invested embryo leaves by its birth the covering folds. By Law, etc.
77 Viewing both forms Prajâpati gave truth and falsehood different shapes. Prajâpati assigned the lack of faith to falsehood, faith to truth. By Law, etc.
78 By holy lore Prajâpati drank up both forms, pressed and unpressed. By Law, etc.
79 Seeing the farming liquor's sap, Prajâpati with the bright drank nut the bright the milk, the Soma juice. By Law, etc.
80 Wise, with mind, lead, and thread of wool the sages twine an amulet. Sarasvatî, Savitar, Varuna, the Asvins span sacrifice and healed his form for Indra.
81 This his immortal shape with mighty powers three Deities bestowing gifts compounded. His hair they made with sprouts of grass and barley, and roasted grain with skin and flesh supplied him.
82 His inner shape Sarasvatî arranges and, borne on bright paths, the Physician Asvins: With Mâsaras and sieve his bone and marrow, as on the Oxen's hide they lay the liquor.
83 By thought Sarasvatî with both Nâsatyas forms lovely treasure and a beauteous body. Like shuttle through the loom the steady ferment mixes the red juice with the foaming spirit.
84 By milk they generated bright immortal, productive seed, by Surâ seed from urine, Chasing afar folly and ill intention, crude food and wind and meat that loads the stomach.
85 Heart with his heart Indra Good Guardian gendered: with rice-cake Savitar gave truth its being. Varuna, doctoring the lungs and liver, forms, as with Vâyu cups, the gall and kidneys.
86 Cooking-pots pouring honey were the entrails: like a well-milking cow the pans were bowels. A hawk's wing was the spleen: through mighty powers the stool as mother was navel and belly.
87 The pitcher was the father of the rectum by powers, the womb which first contained the infant. Plain was the hundred-streaming fount as penis: the jar poured forth libations to the Father.
88 His face the basket, thence his head; the strainer his tongue, his mouth Sarasvatî and Asvins. The Chapya was his rump, his leech the filter, the bladder was his penis keen with ardour.
89 Asvins with both cups made his eye immortal, the goat and cooked oblation gave it keenness. With wheat eyelashes and with jujube eyebrows they clothe as ’twere a black and brilliant figure.
90 The sheep, the ram to give his nostril vigour. the immortal path of breath by both libations. By Indra-grains and sacrificial jujubes Sarasvatî produced through-breath and nose hairs.
91 The hull for strength made Indra's form: the immortal bearing for both his ears by two libations. Barley and sacred grass composed his eyebrows: from his mouth came the jujube and sweet honey.
92 Hair of the wolf was on his waist and body: the beard upon his face was hair of tigers. Lions hair were his locks, for fame and beauty, worn on his head, his crest and sheen and vigour.
93 The Asvins, Leeches, joined his limbs and body, Sarasvatî put limbs and frame together, Giving the form and vital power of Indra, hundredfold, deathless and delightful lustre.
94 Sarasvatî, as Consort of the Asvins, bears in her womb the nobly fashioned Infant. King Varuna with waters’ wealthy essence begetting Indra in the floods for glory.
95 Splendour of victims, powerful oblation, honey and meath with milk and foaming liquor, Healing Sarasvatî effused, and Asvins; from pressed and unpressed Soma, deathless Indu.

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BOOK THE TWENTIETH.

1 BIRTH PLACE of princely power art thou: centre art thou of princely power. Harm not thyself: do me no harm.
2 Varuna, Law's maintainer, hath sat down, etc., as in X. 27. Save me from death. Save me from lightning.
3 Thee, by the radiant Savitar's impulsion, with arms of Asvins, with the hands of Pûshan, With leech-craft of the Asvins, I besprinkle for splendour, for the lustre of a Brâhman; With leech-craft of Sarasvatî, besprinkle for manly vigour and for food to feed thee; Besprinkle thee, by special power of Indra, for strength of body and for fame and glory.
4 Thou art Ka. Noblest Ka art thou. Thee for the state and rank of Ka. Sumangala! Susloka! Satyarâjan!
5 My head be grace, my mouth be fame, my hair and beard be brilliant sheen! My breath be King and deathlessness, mine eye Sole Lord, mine ear the Prince!
6 My tongue be bliss, my voice be might, my mind be wrath, my rage self-lord! Joys be my fingers, and delight my members, conquering strength my friend!
7 Let my two arms be Indra's power, my hands be deed of manly might, my soul and breast be princely rule! neck
8 My ribs be royal government, my belly, shoulders, neck, and hips, Thighs, elbows, knees, the people, yea, my members universally!
9 My navel intellect, etc., etc. ... ... ... ... Duty am I in legs and feet, established King among the folk.
10 I take my stand on princely power and Kingship, on cows am I dependent, and on Horses. on vital breath, On members I depend, and on the body, dependent and on welfare, on heaven and earth and sacrifice dependent.
11 May Deities, eleven threes, the three and thirty bounteous Ones, Whose House-Priest is Brihaspati, by impulse of bright Savitar, the Gods protect me with the Gods.
12 May the first Gods with the second, the second with the third, the third with Truth, truth with Sacrifice, Sacrifice with sacrificial texts, sacrificial texts with Sâmans, Sâmans with praise-verses, praise-verses with fore and after-sentences. fore-sentences with inviting-texts, inviting-texts with Vashat-calls, Vashat calls with oblations, and oblations, fulfil my desires, Earth! All-hail!
13 My hair is effort and attempt, my skin is reverence and approach. My flesh is inclination, wealth my bone, my marrow reverence.
14 Gods, Deities, whatever fault of ours have stirred the wrath of Gods, May Agni set me free from that iniquity and all distress.
15 If in the day-time or at night we have committed acts of sin, May Vâyu set me free from that iniquity and all distress.
16 If when awake or in our sleep we have committed acts of sin, May Sûrya set me free from that iniquity and all distress.
17 Each fault in village or in wild, company or corporeal sense, Each sinful act that we have done to Sûdra or Arya, or to either's disadvantage, e’en of that sin thou art the expiation.
18 Waters, Inviolable ones, etc. Said to be repeated from VI. 22. O ever-moving Cleansing Bath, etc. Repeated from III. 48.
19 Thy heart is in the flood, etc. Repeated from VIII. 25. To us let Waters, etc. Repeated from VI. 22.
20 As one unfastened from a stake, or cleansed by bathing after toil, As butter which the sieve hath purged, let water clean me from my sin.
21 Looking upon the loftier light above the darkness we have come, To Sûrya, God among the Gods, the light that is most excellent.
22 The waters I this day have sought, and to their essence have we come. Agni, come hither rich in milk, splendour and brilliancy bestow on me, and progeny and wealth.
23 A brand art thou: fain would we thrive. Fuel art thou and splendour: give me splendour. Earth comes again, the Dawn, the Sun. This Universe all comes again. May I possess Vaisvânara's light, may I attain my vast desires. Earth! All-hail!
24 O Agni, Master of the Vow, on thee I lay the kindling-stick. To the fast-vow and faith I come. I, consecrated, kindle thee.
25 Fain would I know that holy world where Deities with Agni dwell, Where priestly rank and princely power together in accordance move.
26 Fain would I know that holy world where want and languor are unknown, Where in complete accordance move Indra and Vâyu side by side
27 Let thy shoot be united with his tendril, joint combine with joint. Imperishable sap for joy, thine odour be the Soma's guard!
28 They pour it out, they sprinkle it, they scatter it, they make it pure. In the brown Surâ's ecstasy he says What art thou? What art thou?
29 Indra, at morn accept our cake accompanied with grain and groats, with wheaten bread and hymns of praise.
30 To Indra sing the lofty hymn, Maruts? that slayeth Vritra best, Whereby the Holy Ones created for the God the radiant light that never dies.
31 Adhvaryu, on the straining cloth pour thou the Soma pressed with stones: Purify it for Indra's drink.
32 The Sovran [Sovereign] Lord of living things, he upon whom the worlds depend, Mighty, the mighty's King—by him I take thee, take thee on myself.
33 Taken upon a base art thou. Thee for the Asvins. This is thy home, etc.
34 Guard of my breath and outward breath, the guardian of mine eye and ear, All-healer of my voice, thou. art the mollifier of my mind.
35 Invited I feed upon thee invited, Whom Asvins, whom Sarasvatî, whom Indra, Good Protector, made.
36 Kindred in forefront of the Mornings, Indra with forward light, long-active, waxing mighty, With three-and thirty Gods, the Thunder-wielder, smote. Vritra dead and threw the portals open.
37 Son of Himself, the Praise of Men, the hero, measuring out the sacrificial stations, Rich in bulls’ fat, anointing with sweet butter, wise, bright with gauds of gold, he sacrificeth.
38 Lauded by Gods, Lord of Bay Steeds, the Helper, showing his greatness. worshipped with oblations. Fort-render, Cowpen-cleaver, Thunder-wielder, may he approach our sacrifice rejoicing
39 May Indra, Lord of Bays, sit by direction eastward on earth, accepting our oblation, And sacred grass, fair, far-spread, widely-stretching, anointed by Âdityas and by Vasus.
40 To the strong Indra go the sounding Portals, dames with a goodly husband, swiftly moving! Well-manned, divine, wide be the Doors thrown open, expanding in their greatness fir the Hero!
41 Dawn and Night, lofty, sapful, richly-yielding, fair-showing, as they weave with varied colour, The long-extended thread in concert, worship the God of Gods, the lofty Hero Indra.
42 The two first pleasant-voiced celestial Hotars, arranging rites for man in sundry places, At head of sacrifice stablishing Indra, increase the eastern light with sweet oblation.
43 Thriving by sacrifice may the three Bright Ones, taking delight like wedded dames in Indra, Sarasvatî, Idâ, Bhâratî all-surpassing, with milk preserve our sacred thread unbroken.
44 May Tvashtar coming frail afar, the active, give strength and plenty to strong glorious Indra, And strong, prolific, worshipping, the Mighty at sacrifice's head give the Gods honour.
45 Let the divine Stake, like an Immolator, bind, as one ordered, to himself the victim, And, filling Indra's belly with ablations, season the sacrifice with sweets and butter.
46 Indra the Bull, swift conqueror, wildly rushing bull-like to meet the Indu of the droppings— Delighting in a mind that scatters fatness, let the immortal Gods rejoice in Svâhâ.
47 May Indra come to us for our protection, here, lauded Hero, be our feast-companion. May he whose powers are many, waxen mighty, cherish, like Dyaus, the sovran sway of princes.
48 From near or far away may mighty Indra, giver of succour, come for our protection, Lord of men, armed with thunder, with the Strongest, slaying his foes in conflict, in the battles.
49 May Indra come to us with Tawny Coursers, inclined to us, to favour and enrich us. May Maghavan, loud-voiced and wielding thunder, stand by us at this sacrifice, in combat.
50 Indra the Rescuer, Indra the Helper, Hero who listens at each invocation, Sakra I call, Indra invoked of many. May Indra, Bounteous Lord, prosper and bless us.
51 May helpful Indra as our Good Protector, Lord of all treasures, favour us with succour, Baffle our foes and give us rest and safety, and may we be the lords of hero vigour.
52 May we enjoy the grace of him the Holy, yea, may we dwell in his auspicious favour. May helpful Indra as our Good Preserver drive from us even from afar, our foemen.
53 Come hither, Indra, with Bay Steeds, joyous, with tails like peacock plumes, Let no men check thy course as fowlers stay the bird: pass o’er them as o’er desert lands.
54 Verily the Vasishthas hymn with praises Indra the mighty One whose arm wields thunder. Praised, may he guard our wealth in men and cattle. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.
55 Fire hath been kindled, Asvins Twain! the Gharma warmed, the Radiant pressed, Here the Milch-Cow Sarasvatî hath poured bright Soma, Indra's own.
56 When Soma flows Sarasvatî and both the Asvins, Leeches and Body-guards, bear to Indra strength by passage through the realms of air.
57 When Soma flowed the Asvins Twain, the Leeches, brought sweet medicine, With Men's Desire Sarasvatî for Indra, Soma, Nagnahu.
58 Worshipped, Sarasvatî bestowed on Indra, senses, manly power. The Asvins, through oblations paid, combined food, energy, and wealth.
59 The Asvins brought from Namuchi pressed Soma bright with foaming juice. Sarasvatî with sacred grass brought that to Indra for his drink.
60 Sarasvatî and Indra with the Asvins Twain milked out desires, From heaven and earth, the regions, the resounding and expansive doors.
61 Ye Asvins, Dawn and Night, by day and in the evening, fair of hue, Accordant, with Sarasvatî, deck Indra with surpassing powers.
62 Guard us, O Asvins, through the day, guards us by night, Sarasvatî. Celestial Hotars, Leeches! both guard Indra when the juice is pressed.
63 The Asvins, and the Three, apart, Sarasvatî, Idâ, Bhâratî, As drink to gladden Indra, poured strong Soma with the foaming juice.
64 The Asvins, our Sarasvatî, and Tvashtar, when the juice was shed, Gave Indra balm, yea, mead as balm, glory and fame and many a shape.
65 Praising with foaming liquor at due times, Indra, Vanaspatî, Sarasvatî as cow gave forth sweet beverage with the Asvins Twain.
66 Asvins, to Indra ye with cows, with Mâsara and foaming drink, Gave, with Sarasvatî—All hail!—the pressed-out Soma juice and mead.
67 The Asvins and Sarasvatî by wit from fiendish Namuchi Brought unto Indra sacred food, strength, brilliant treasure, ample wealth.
68 That Indra, strong through sacrifice by Asvins and Sarasvatî, Cleft Vala through to win him wealth, with Namuchi of Asura birth.
69 Supporting him in sacrifice with sacred food and mighty powers, Sarasvatî, both Asvins and the cattle hymned that Indra's praise.
70 Indra whom Bhaga, Savitar, and Varuna supplied with power, Lord of the sacrifice, may He, Good Guardian, love the worshipper.
71 Savitar, Varuna bestow gifts on the liberal offerer, Strength, power and treasure which the Good Protector took from Namuchi!
72 Varuna giving sway and power, Savitar grace with happiness, The Good Protector giving strength with fame, obtained the sacrifice.
73 With cows the Asvins, mighty power, with horses manly vigour, strength, With sacred food Sarasvatî, made Indra, Sacrificer, strong.
74 May those Nâsatyas, fair of form, the Men who ride on paths of gold, Oblation-rich Sarasvatî, thou, Indra! help us in our rites.
75 Those Leeches righteous in their deeds, She, rich in milk, Sarasvatî, That Vritra-Mayer hundred-powered, invested Indra with his might.
76 Ye Asvins and Sarasvatî, joint drinkers of the Sara draught, In Namuchi of Asura birth, give aid to Indra in his deeds.
77 As parents aid a son, etc., as in X. 34.
78 He in whom horses, bulls, oxen, and barren cows, and rams, when duly set apart, are offered up, To Agni, Soma-sprinkled, drinker of sweet juice, Disposer, with thy heart bring forth a pleasant hymn.
79 Within thy mouth is poured the offering, Agni, as Soma into cup, oil into ladle. Vouchsafe us wealth, strength-winning, blest with heroes, wealth lofty, praised by men, and full of splendour.
80 The Asvins gave, with lustre, sight, Sarasvatî manly strength with breath. Indra with voice and might gave Indra vigorous power.
81 With kine, Nâsatyas! and with steeds, come, Asvins, Rudras! to the house, the sure protector of its men;
82 Such, wealthy Gods! as none afar or standing near to us may harm, yea, no malicious mortal foe.
83 Do ye, O longed-for Asvins, lead us on to wealth of varied form, wealth that shall bring us room and rest.
84 Wealthy in spoil, enriched with hymns, may pure Sarasvatî desire with eager love our sacrifice.
S5 She who awakens sounds of joy, inspires our hymns, Sarasvatî, she hath allowed our sacrifice.
85 Sarasvatî, the mighty flood, she with her light illuminates, she brightens every pious thought.
87 O Indra, marvellously bright, come, these libations long for thee, thus by fine fingers purified.
88 Urged by the holy singer, sped by song, come, Indra, to the prayers of the libation-pouring priest.
89 Approach, O Indra, hasting thee, Lord of Bay Horses, to the prayer: in our libations take delight.
90 Accordant with Sarasvatî let the two Asvins drink the meath, May Indra, Vritra-slayer, Good Guardian, accept the Soma meath.

[admin]

BOOK THE TWENTY-FIRST.

VARUNA, hear this call of mine: be gracious unto us this
day.
Longing for help I yearn for thee.
2 I ask this of thee with my prayer, etc., as in XVIII. 49.
3 Do thou who knowest Varuna, O Agni, put far away from
us the God's displeasure.
Best Sacrificer, brightest One, refulgent, remove thou far
from us all those who hate us.
4 Be thou the nearest unto us, O Agni, our closest Friend
while now this Morn is breaking.
Reconcile Varuna to us, be bounteous: show thy compassion
and be swift to hear us.
5 We call to succour us the mighty Mother of those whose
sway is just, the Queen of Order,
Strong-ruler, far-expanding, ne’er decaying, Aditi gracious
guide and good protectress.
6 Sinless may we ascend, for weal, this vessel rowed with
good oars, divine, that never leaketh,
Earth our strong guard, incomparable Heaven. Aditi gracious
guide and good protectress.
7 May I ascend the goodly ship, free from defect, that leaketh
not,
Moved by a hundred oars, for weal.
8 O Mitra-Varuna, gracious Pair, with fatness dew our
pasturage,
With mead the regions of the air.

p. 197

9 Stretch forth your arms and let our lives be lengthened:
with fatness dew the pastures of our cattle.
Ye Youthful, make us famed among the people: hear,
Mitra-Varuna, these mine invocations.
10 Bless us the Coursers when we call, etc., as in IX. 16.
11 Deep-skilled in Law, etc., as in IX. 18.
12 Kindled is Agni with the brand, yea, kindled well, the
excellent.
The metre Gâyatrî, the steer of eighteen months, give power
and life!
13 Tanûnapât whose acts are pure, our bodies’ guard Sarasvatî,
Ushnihâ metre and the steer of two years’ age give power
and life!
14 Agni with offerings, meet for praise, and Soma the immortal
God,
Anushtup metre and the steer of thirty months give power
and life!
15 Agni with goodly grass spread out, deathless with Pûshan
at his side,
Brihatî metre and a steer of three years’ age give power
and life!
16 The Doors divine, the mighty Regions, Brahma, God
Brihaspati,
The metre Pankti, here a bull in his fourth year, give
power and life
17 The two young Darns of lovely form, the deathless Universal
Gods,
The Trishtup metre, here, a bull in his sixth year, give
power and life!
18 The two celestial Hotars, both Physicians, Indra's close-knit
friends,
The metre Jagatî, an ox who draws the wain, give power and
life!
19 The Three, Ida, Sarasvatî, and Bhâratî, the Marut folk,
Virâj the metre, here, a cow in milk, a bull, give power and
life!

p. 198

20 Tvashtar the wondrous, full of seed, Indrâgnî furtherers of
weal,
Dvipadâ metre, and a cow and vigorous bull give power and
life!
21 Our slaughterer, Vanaspatî, Savitar who promoteth wealth,
The metre Kakup, here, a cow who casts her calf, give power
and life!
22 With Svâhâ mighty Varuna give healing power to Sacrifice!
The Atichhandas, Brihat, and a steer and bull give power
and life!
23 With the Spring Season may the Gods the Vasus praised
with triple hymn
And with Rathantara, give life to Indra, splendour, sacrifice.
24 With Summer may the Rudras, Gods, praised in the Pañchadasa
hymn
With Brihat, give to Indra strength; with fame, and sacrifice
and life.
25 May the Âdityas with the Rains, lauded in Saptadasa
hymn
And with Vairûpa, with folk, strength, give Indra sacrifice
and life.
26 With Autumn may the Ribhus, Gods, praised in the Ekavimsa
hymn
And with Virâja, give with grace to Indra grace, life,
sacrifice.
27 With Winter may the Maruts, Gods, praised in the laud of
thrice nine parts,
The Sakvarîs, with strength give might to Indra, sacrifice
and life.

p. 199

28 With Dew-time may the deathless Gods praised in the
Thirty-three-part laud,
The Revatîs, with truth give sway to Indra, sacrifice and
life.
29 Let the Hotar sacrifice with fuel to Agni in the place of
libation, to the Asvins, Indra, Sarasvatî. A grey-coloured
he-goat with wheat, jujube-fruit and sprouts of rice
becomes a sweet salutary remedy, splendour, might, milk,
Soma. Let them enjoy sweet butter with foaming liquor.
Hotar, present offerings of butter.
30 Let the Hotar, Tanûnapât, worship Sarasvatî. A sheep,
a ram, a salutary remedy on the honey-sweet path, bearing
to the Asvins and Indra heroic strength, with jujube-fruit,
Indra-grains, sprouts of rice, becomes a salutary
remedy, milk, Soma. Let them enjoy, etc., as in verse 29.
31 Let the Hotar worship Narâsamsa and the Lord Nagnahu.
A ram with Surâ a salutary remedy, Sarasvatî the Physician,
the golden car of the Asvins, the victim's omentum,
with jujube-fruit, Indra-grains, and rice-sprouts, become
a salutary remedy, the manly strength of Indra, milk,
Soma. Let them, etc.
32 Let the Hotar, magnified with oblations, offering sacrifice,
worship Sarasvatî and Indra, increasing them with
strength, with a bull and a cow. Strength and medicine
to the Asvins and Indra are meath with jujube-fruit,
Mâsara with parched grain, milk, Soma. Let them, etc.
33 Let the Hotar worship the wool-soft Altar-grass, the Physicians
Nâsatyas, the Physicians Asvins. A mare with a
foal, a milch-cow is a physician. Sarasvatî the Physician
yields medicine to Indra, milk, Soma. Let them enjoy, etc.

p. 200

34 Let the Hotar worship the Doors, the Regions, the resounding,
expansive Doors, the Regions, with the Asvins. Indra
milks the two milky worlds. The Mulch-cow Sarasvatî
yields medicine for the Asvins and Indra, pure light and
strength. Milk, Soma. Let them, etc.
35 Let the Hotar worship the two fair-formed Dawns. At
night and by day the Asvins with Sarasvatî compose
impetuous power, like healing balm, in Indra, like a falcon,
Mâsara with light, thought, and grace. Milk, Soma. Let
them enjoy, etc.
36 Let the Hotar worship the two divine Hotars, the Physician
Asvins, and Indra. Watchfully by day and night Sarasvatî
as Physician, with balms, with lead, yields strength
and power. Milk, Soma. Let them enjoy, etc.
37 Let the Hotar worship the three Goddesses. The three active
ones, with three sacrificial elements, lay balm and golden
hue on Indra. The Asvins, Idâ, Bhâratî—Sarasvatî with
Speech yields might and power to Indra. Milk, Soma.
Let them enjoy, etc.
38 Let the Hotar worship Tvashtar full of good seed, the Bull
active for men, Indra, the Asvins, Sarasvatî the Physician.
Vigour, speed, power, a fierce wolf as physician,
fame with Surâ is a medicine, Mâsara with grace. Milk,
Soma. Let them enjoy, etc.
39 Let the Hotar worship Vanaspatî the Immolator, the Lord
of Hundred Powers, and awful Passion, the King, the
Tiger, and the Asvins, with reverence. Sarasvatî the
Physician yields wrath and power to Indra. Milk, Soma.
Let them enjoy, etc.

p. 201

40 Let the Hotar worship Agni. Of the drops of clarified butter,
Svâhâ! Of the fat, omentum, etc., severally, Svâhâ!
Svâhâ! the goat for the Asvins. Svâhâ! the ram for Sarasvatî.
Svâhâ! the bull for Indra. To the Lion, to his might,
power. Svâhâ! Agni the salutary remedy. Svâhâ! Soma,
the power. Svâhâ! Indra the Good Deliverer. Savitar,
Varuna Lord of Physicians. Svâhâ! Vanaspatî, beloved,
food and medicine. Svâhâ! Gods who drink clarified
butter. Agni accepting the medicine. Milk, Soma.
Let them enjoy, etc.
41 Let the Hotar worship the Asvins with the omentum of a
he-goat. Let them enjoy the fat. Hotar, offer the sacrificial
oblation.
Let the Hotar worship Sarasvatî with the omentum of a
ram. Let her enjoy the fat. Hotar offer the sacrificial
oblation.
Let the Hotar worship Indra with the omentum of a bull.
Let him, etc.
42 Let the Hotar worship the Asvins, Sarasvatî, Indra the
Good Deliverer. These your Somas, pressed, rejoicing
with goats, rams, bulls, giving pleasure with rice-shoots,
young blades of corn, parched grain, joy-givers adorned
with Mâsara, bright, milky, immortal, presented, dropping
honey. these let the Asvins, Sarasvatî, Indra the
Good Deliverer, Vritra-slayer, accept. Let them drink,
rejoice in, enjoy the Soma meath. Hotar, sacrifice.
43 Let the Hotar worship the Asvins. Let them eat of the
he-goat, the sacrifice. Let them to-day eat the fat, taken
from the middle, before those who hate us, before human
handling. Yea, let them eat amid the fodder of fields
fresh with moisture, with their expanse of barley, limbs
of those tasted by Agni, belonging to the Hundred Rudras,
portions covered with fat, from the sides, from the thighs,
from the fore-feet from the chine. From every member
of the divided victims these two make their repast. Thus
let the Asvins accept. Hotar, offer the sacrificial oblation.

p. 202

44 Let the Hotar worship Sarasvatî. Let her approach the ram,
the sacrifice.
To-day let her eat, etc., the rest of verse 43 repeated mutatis mutandis.
43 Let the Hotar worship Indra, etc., as in 44 mutatis mutandis.
46 Let the Hotar worship Vanaspatî. He has held with a very
well formed and very strong rope. There where the favourite
stations of the Asvins are, of the he-goat the sacrifice;
of Sarasvatî, of the ram the sacrifice; of Indra, of the
bull the sacrifice; there where the favourite stations of
Agni are, of Soma, of Indra the Good Deliverer, of Savitar,
of Varuna, the favourite places of Vanaspatî, the
favourite stations of Gods who drink clarified butter, and
of Agni the Hotar, there let him arrange these victims
when he has praised and lauded them, and perform when
he has made them very strong. Let divine Vanaspatî
accept. Hotar, offer oblation.
47 Let the Hotar worship Agni Svishtakrit. Let Agni worship
the favourite stations of the Asvins, of the he-goat the
sacrifice; of Sarasvatî, of the ram the sacrifice; of Indra,
of the bull the sacrifice; there, etc., to 'butter' as in 46.
Let him worship the favourite stations of Agni the Hotar.
Let him worship his own majesty. Let him win for himself
by sacrifice food worthy of sacrifice. Let him, Knower of
Beings, perform the sacred rites. Let him accept the
sacrificial food. Hotar, offer oblation.
48 The Grass divine, for the right Gods, Sarasvatî, the Asvins
Twain,
Give Indra splendour, with the Grass, sight of his eyes and
mighty strength! For gain of wealth let them enjoy.
Thou, Hotar, offer sacrifice.
49 The Doors, the Doors divine, the Two Asvins, Leeches,
Sarasvatî—
May they give breath to Indra in his nostrils, and heroic
strength.
For gain of wealth, etc., as in verse 48.

p. 203

50 May Dawn and Night, the Goddesses, both Asvins, and
Sarasvatî
Lay, with both Dawns, strength, voice within Indra the
Good Deliverer's mouth.
For gain of wealth, etc.
51 Both nursing Goddesses, the Pair of Asvins, and Sarasvatî
Have with both nurses given strength to Indra, fame, and
power to hear.
For gain of wealth, etc.
52 Bringers of strengthening sacrifice, both Goddesses,
well-yielding cows,
Sarasvatî, both Asvins, the Physicians, these are Indra's
guards.
Forth from their breasts by sacrifice they give him brilliant
light and power.
For gain of wealth, etc.
53 Both Gods, the Hotars of the Gods, the Asvins the
Physicians and
Sarasvatî with Vashat-calls, with the two Hotars have
bestowed on Indra brilliant light and power, and planted
wisdom in his heart.
For gain of wealth, etc.
54 Goddesses three, three Goddesses—Asvins, Idâ, Sarasvatî
In Indra's midmost navel have laid store of energy and
power.
For gain of wealth, etc.
55 God Narâsamsa, Indra thrice-protecting, whose car moves
by Sarasvatî and Asvins
May Tvashtar lay seed, deathless form in Indra, a fitting
place of birth and mighty powers.
For gain of wealth, etc.
56 God with the Gods, Vanaspatî of golden leaves and goodly
fruit
Ripens till Indra finds it sweet, with Asvins and Sarasvatî.
57 Strewn, soft as wool, in sacrifice, with Asvins and Sarasvatî,
The sacred robe of water-plants be, Indra, a fair seat for thee!
Together with the sacred grass limy they, for sovranty, bestow
King Passion and great power on thee.
For gain of wealth, etc.

p. 204

58 Let the God Agni Svishtakrit worship the Gods as is meet
and right for each, the two Hotars, Indra, the Asvins,
Vâk with speech, Sarasvatî, Agni, Soma. Svishtakrit
has been well worshipped, Indra Good Deliverer, Savitar,
Varuna the Physician have been worshipped. The God
Vanaspatî, the Gods who drink clarified butter have been
well worshipped, Agni by Agni. Let the Hotar Svishtakrit
give the Hotar fame, great power, energy, honour,
Ancestral libation.
59 To-day this Sacrificer cooking viands, cooking sacrificial
rice-cakes, binding a goat for the Asvins, a ram for Sarasvatî,
a hull for Indra, pressing Surâ and Soma juices for
the Asvins, Sarasvatî, and Indra the Good Deliverer, has
chosen Agni as Hotar.
60 To-day the divine Vanaspatî has done good service to the
Asvins with a goat, to Sarasvatî with a ram, to Indra
with a bull. They have eaten these from the marrow
onwards, they have accepted the cooked viands, they have
waxed strong with the rice-cakes. The Agnis, Sarasvatî,
and Indra have drunk the Surâ and Soma draughts.
61 Thee, to-day, O Rishi, Rishi's son, descendant of Rishis, hath
this Sacrificer chosen for many collected, saying: This
(Agni) shall win by sacrifice for me choice-worthy treasures
among the Gods. O God, what gifts the Gods have
given, these do thou desire and approve. And thou art
a commissioned Hotar, a human Hotar sent forward for
benediction, for good speech, Speak thou good words.

[admin]

BOOK THE TWENTY-SECOND.

SPLENDOUR art thou, bright, deathless, life-protector.
Protector of my life be thou.
By impulse of God Savitar I take thee with arms of Asvins,
with the hands of Pûshan.
2 This girdle, which in their religious meetings sages assumed
in earlier time of worship,
Is present with us here at this libation, in the Law's hymn,
proclaiming rich abundance.
3 Famous art thou, thou art the world, controller and
upholder thou.
Go, consecrate by Svâhâ to Agni Vaisvânara widely-famed.
4 For Gods and for Prajâpati I fit thee. For Gods and for
Prajâpati, O Brahman,
Will I tie up the horse. Thence may I prosper! Binding
him for Prajâpati and Gods be thou successful.
5 Thee welcome to Prajâpati I sprinkle. I sprinkle thee
welcome to Indra-Agni. I sprinkle thee acceptable to Vâyu.
Thee welcome to the All-Gods I besprinkle. Thee
welcome to all Deities I sprinkle.
With fury Varuna attacks the man who fain would slay the
steed.
Avaunt the man! Avaunt the dog!

p. 206

6 To Agni Hail! To Soma Hail! Hail to the Waters’ Joy! Hail
to Savitar! Hail to Vâyu! Hail to Vishnu! Hail to Indra!
Hail to Brihaspati! Hail to Mitra! Hail to Varuna!
7 Hail to the sound hiṅ! Hail to the uttered hiṅ! Hail to
the neigh! Hail to the down-neigh! Hail to the snort!
Hail to the roar! Hail to his smell! Hail to him smelt
at! Hail to him seated! Hail to him seated down! Hail
to him weary! Hail to him going! Hail to him sitting!
Hail to him lying! Hail to him sleeping! Hail to him
waking! Hail to him whinnying! Hail to him wakened!
Hail to him yawning! Hail to him outstretched! Hail to
him drawn together! Hail to him risen! Hail to his
going! Hail to his good going! Hail!
8 Hail to him as he goes! Hail to him running! Hail to him
running away! Hail to him when he has run away!
Hail to the cry Shoo! Hail to him scared with Shoo!
Hail to him seated! Hail to him risen! Hail to his
speed! Hail to his strength! Hail to him rolling! Hail
to him when he has rolled! Hail to him tossing about!
Hail to him when he has tossed about! Hail to him
listening! Hail to him hearing. Hail to him looking!
Hail to him looked at! Hail to him closely looked at!
Hail to his closing his eye! Hail to his food! Hail to
his drink! Hail to his stale! Hail to him in action!
Hail to what he has done!
9 May we attain that excellent glory of Savitar the God:
So may he stimulate our prayers.
10 For our protection I invoke the golden-handed Savitar:
He knoweth, as a God, the place.
11 We specially invoke the grace of Savitar, observant God,
The great good-will that gives true boons.
12 We seek the eulogy and gift of Savitar who strengthens grace,
Yea, of the God who knows our thoughts.
13 I invocate the heroes’ Lord, free-giving Savitar, and call
The Cheerer to the feast of Gods.

p. 207

14 The judgment of bright Savitar, that cheers the All-Gods’
company,
With prayer we estimate as bliss.
15 Wake Agni with thy laud and set the Immortal One aflame,
let him
Bestow our offerings on the Gods.
16 Oblation-bearer, well-inclined, immortal, eager Messenger,
Agni comes near us with the thought.
17 Agni, Envoy, I place in front, the oblation-bearer I address:
Here let him seat the Deities.
18 Yea, Pavamâna, thou didst generate the Sun and spread
the moisture out with power,
Basting to us with plenty vivified with milk.
19 Mighty through thy dam, eminent through thy sire, thou
art a horse, thou art a steed, thou art a courser, thou
art a comfort, thou art a racer, thou art a yoke-horse,
thou art a strong steed, thou art a stallion, thou art
manly-minded. Thou art called Yayu, thou art called
Sisu. Follow thou the flight of the Âdityas.
Gods, Warders of the Regions, protect for the Gods this
horse besprinkled for sacrifice.
Here is delight. Here take thy pleasure. Here is content.
Here is self-content.
20 Hail to Ka! Hail to Who?! Hail to Which?! Hail to
him who has experienced pain! Hail to Prajâpati who
knows the mind! Hail to him who discerns the thought!

p. 208

Hail to Aditi! Hail to good Aditi! Hail to gracious
Aditi! Hail to Sarasvatî! Hail to purifying Sarasvatî!
Hail to great Sarasvatî! Hail to Pûshan! Hail to
Pûshan of the highways! Hail to Pûshan observer of
men! Hail to Tvashtar! Hail to swift Tvashtar! Hail
to Tvashtar of many forms! Hail to Vishnu! Hail to
Vishnu Nibhûyapa! Hail to Vishnu Sipivishta!
21 Let every mortal man elect, etc., repeated from IV. 8.
22 O Brahman, let there be born in the kingdom the Brahman
illustrious for religious knowledge; let there be born the
Râjanya, heroic, skilled archer, piercing with shafts,
mighty warrior; the cow giving abundant milk; the ox
good at carrying; the swift courser; the industrious
woman. May Parjanya send rain according to our desire;
may our fruit-bearing plants ripen; may acquisition and
preservation of property be secured to us.
23 Hail to vital breath! Hail to out-breathing! Hail to
diffusive breath! Hail to the eye! Hail to the ear! Hail
to Speech! Hail to Mind!
24 Hail to the Eastern Region! Hail to the hitherward Region!
Hail to the Southern Region! Hail to the hitherward
Region! Hail to the Western Region! Hail to the
hitherward Region! Hail to the Northern Region! Hail
to the hitherward Region! Hail to the Upward Region!
Hail to the hitherward Region! Hail to the Downward
Region! Hail to the hitherward Region!
25 Hail to waters! Hail to floods! Hail to water! Hail to standing waters! Hail to flowing waters! Hail to trickling waters! Hail to well waters! Hail to spring waters! Hail to the foaming sea! Hail to the ocean! Hail to the deep!
26 Hail to wind! Hail to mist! Hail to vapour! Hail to
cloud! Hail to cloud lightening! Hail to cloud thundering!
Hail to it bursting! Hail to it raining! Hail to it
pouring! Hail to it violently raining! Hail to it swiftly
raining! Hail to it holding up! Hail to it when it has
held up! Hail to it sprinkling! Hail to it drizzling! Hail
to its drops! Hail to thunderbolts! Hail to hoar frosts!
27 Hail to Agni! Hail to Soma! Hail to Indra! Hail to Earth!
Hail to Firmament! Hail to Sky! Hail to Regions? Hail
to Quarters! Hail to the Upward Region! Hail to the
Downward Region!

p. 209

23 Hail to the lunar asterisms! Hail to those connected with
the lunar asterisms! Hail to Day and Night! Hail to
the half-months! Hail to the mouths! Hail to the Seasons!
Hail to the Season-groups! Hail to the Year!
Hail to Heaven and Earth! Hail to the Moon! Hail to
the Sun! Hail to his rays! Hail to the Vasus! Hail to
the Rudras! Hail to the Âdityas! Hail to the Maruts!
Earl to the All-Gods! Hail to roots! Hail to branches!
Hail to forest trees! Hail to flowers! Hail to fruits!
Hail to herbs!
29 Hail to Earth! Hail to Firmament t Hail to Sky! Hail to
Sun! Hail to Moon! Hail to lunar asterisms! Hail to
waters! Hail to herbs! Hail to forest trees! Hail to creatures
that swim! Hail to things moving and stationary!
Hail to things that creep and crawl!
30 Hail to breath! Hail to the Vasu! Hail to the Mighty!
Hail to Vivasvân! Hail to the trooping one! Hail to
the Troop's Lord! Hail to the Superior! Hail to the
Overlord! Hail to Strength! Hail to Samsarpa! Hail
to the Moon! Hail to light! Hail to Malimlucha! Hail
to him who flies by day!
31 Hail to Madhu! Hail to Mâdhava! Hail to Sukra! Hail to
Suchi! Hail to Nabhas! Hail to Nabhasya! Hail to Isha!
Hail to Ûrja! Hail to Sahas! Hail to Sahasya! Hail to
Tapas! Hail to Tapasya! Hail to Amhasaspati!
32 Hail to Strength! Hail to impulse! Hail to After-born!
Hail to will! Heaven, Hail? Hail to the head! Hail to
Vyasnuvin! To the final, Hail! Hail to the mundane
final! Hail to the Lord of the world! Hail to the Overlord!
Hail to the Lord of Creatures!
33 May life succeed by sacrifice, Hail! May breath succeed
by sacrifice, Hail! May downward breath, diffusive.
breath, upward breath, digestive breath, vision, hearing,
speech, mind, self, devotion, light, heaven, hymn-arrangement,
sacrifice succeed by sacrifice. All-hail!
34 Hail to One! Hail to Two! Hail to Hundred! Hail to
Hundred-and-One! Hail to Daybreak! Hail to Heaven!

[admin]

BOOK THE TWENTY-THIRD.

1 IN the beginning rose Hiranyagarbha, etc:
2 Taken upon a base art thou. I take thee welcome to Prajâpati. This is thy place: Sûrya thy majesty. The majesty that has accrued to thee in the day, in a year, that majesty which has accrued in the wind, in the firmament, to that majesty of thine, to Prajâpati, to the Gods, All-hail!
3 Who, by his, grandeur hath become sole Ruler of all the moving world that breathes and slumbers; He who is Sovran [Sovereign] of these men and cattle—what God shall we adore with our oblation?
4 Taken upon a base art thou. I take thee welcome to Prajâpati, This is thy place: the Moon thy majesty. Thy majesty that has accrued to thee by night, in a year, thy majesty that has accrued in the earth, in Agni, in the stars and in the Moon, to that majesty of thine, to Prajâpati and to the Gods, All-hail!
5 They who stand round hills as he moves harness the bright, the ruddy Steed: The lights are shining in the sky.
6 On both sides to the car they yoke the two. Bay Coursers dear to him, Bold; tawny, bearers of the Chief.
7 When, swift as wind, the Horse has reached the form that Indra loves, the flood, Again, O singer, by this path bring thou our Courser hitherward.
8 Let the Vasus anoint thee with Gâyatrî metre. Let the Rudras anoint thee with Trishtup metre. Let the Âdityas anoint thee with Jagatî metre. Earth! Ether! Heaven! O Gods, eat this food, parched grains and groats in the product of barley and in the product of cows: eat this food, Prajâpati.
9 Who moveth single and alone? Who is brought forth to life again? What is the remedy of cold, or what the great receptacle?
10 The Sun moves single and alone. The Moon is brought to life again, Fire is the remedy of cold; Earth is the great receptacle.
11 What was the antecedent thought? What was the bird of mighty size? The slippery matron, who was she? Who was the reddish-coloured one?
12 Heaven was the antecedent thought. The Courser was the mighty bird. The slippery matron was the earth, Night was the reddish-coloured one.
13 Vâyu help thee with cooked viands! Blackneck with goats; Nyagrodha with cups; Salmali with increase; this Stallion here, good for the chariot—let him verily come with his four feet. Brahmâkrishna help us! Obeisance to Agni!
14 The car is fitted with the rein, the steed is fitted with the rein. Fitted in waters, water-born, is Brahmâ following Soma's lead.
15 Steed, from thy body, of thyself, sacrifice and accept thyself. Thy greatness can be gained by none but thee.
16 No, here thou diest not, thou art not injured: only by fair paths to the Gods thou guest, May Savitar the God in that world place thee where dwell the pious, whether they have journeyed.
17 Agni was the victim. With him they sacrificed. He won this world in which Agni is. This shall become thy world. This shalt thou win. Drink these waters. Vâyu was the victim. With him they sacrificed. He won this world in which Vâyu is. This shall become, etc., as above. Sûrya was the victim, etc., He won the world in which Sûrya is. This shall become, etc.
18 To vital breath, Hail! To out-breathing, Hail! To diffusive breath, Hail! Ambâ! Ambikâ! Ambâlikâ! No one is taking me away. The sorry horse will lie beside another, as Subhadrâ, the dweller in Kâmpila.
19 Thee we invoke, troop-lord of troops, Thee we invoke, the loved ones’ lord. Thee, lord of treasures, we invoke. My precious wealth! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32 Now have I glorified with praise strong Dadhikrâvan, conquering steed, Sweet may he make our mouths: may he prolong the days we have to live.
33 Gâyatrî, Trishtup, Jagatî, and Pankti with Anushtup joined, Brihatî, Kakup, Ushnihâ pacify thee with needle-points!
34 Two-footed, those that have four feet, those with three feet and those with five, Metteless, with one metre; these pacify thee with needle-points!
35 May Mahânâmnîs, Revatîs, all far-spread Regions of the sky, Voices, and lightnings from the cloud pacify thee with needle-points!
36 May married dames of human birth skilfully separate thy hair:
The Regions, Consorts of the Gods, pacify thee with needle-points!
37 They, made of silver, gold, and lead, are used as helpers in the work. As lines on the strong Courser's skin may they console and give thee rest.
38 What then? As men whose fields are full of barley, etc., as in X. 32.
39 Who flays thee? Who dissects thee? Who prepares thy limbs for sacrifice? Who is the Sage that slaughters thee?
40 In due time let the seasons as thy Slaughterers divide thy joints, And with the splendour of the Year sacrifice thee with holy rites.
41 Let the Half-months and let the Months, while sacrificing, flay thy limbs: Let Day and Night and Maruts mend each fault in sacrificing thee.
42 Let the divine Adhvaryus flay thy body and dissect thy frame, And let the sacrificing lines prepare thy members joint by joint,
43 May Sky, Earth, Air, and Wind supply each failing and defect of thine: May Sûrya with the Stars of heaven duly prepare a world for thee.
44 Well be it with thine upper parts, well be it with the parts below! Well be it with thy bones and with thy marrow and with all thy frame!
45 Who moveth singly? etc., as in verse 9.
46 The Sun moves singly, etc., as in verse 10.
47 What lustre is like Sûrya's light? What lake is equal to the Sea? What is more spacious than the Earth? What thing is that which naught can mete?
48 Brahma is lustre like the Sea. Heaven is a flood to match the Sea. Indra is vaster than the Earth. Beyond all measure is the Cow.
49 Friend of the Gods, I ask, for information, if thou in spirit hast obtained the knowledge, Hath Vishnu this whole Universe pervaded in the three steps wherein the God is worshipped?
50 I also am in those three steps of Vishnu wherewith this Universe he permeated. The earth and heaven I circle in a moment and this heaven's summit with a single organ.
51 What are the things which Purusha hath entered? What things hath Purusha contained within him? This riddle we propound to thee, O Brahman. Why dost thou give no answer to my question?
52 Within five things hath Purusha found entrance; these Purusha hath within himself connected. This is the thought which I return in answer. Thou art not my superior in wisdom.
53 What was the antecedent thought? etc., as in verse 11.
54 Heaven was the antecedent thought, etc., as in 12.
55 Who, tell me, is the yellowish she? Who is the darkly-yellowish? Who moves with rapid spring and bound? Who glides and winds along the path?
56 The she-goat, Sir, is yellowish, dark-yellowish is the porcupine. The hare moves swift with leap and bound: the snake creeps winding on the path.
57 How many different forms hath this, how many syllables, burnt-oblations, brands for kindling? Here, of the rites of sacrifice I ask thee. How many Hotars in due season worship?
68 Sixfold its form, its syllables a hundred, eighty burnt-offerings, just three brands for kindling. To thee I tell the rites of sacrificing. Seven Hotars worship in appointed season.
59 Who knoweth this world's central point? Who knoweth the heaven, the earth, and the wide air between them? Who knows the birthplace of the mighty Sûrya? Who knows the Moon, whence he was generated?
60 I know the centre of the world about us. I know heaven, earth, and the wide air between them. I know the birthplace of the mighty Sûrya. I know the Moon, whence he was generated.
61 I ask thee of the earth's extremest limit, where is the centre of the world, I ask thee. I ask thee of the Stallion's genial humour, I ask of highest heaven where Speech abideth.
62 This altar is the earth's extremest limit; this sacrifice of ours is the world's centre. This Soma is the Stallion's genial humour, this Brahman highest heaven where Speech abideth.
63 The Strong, the Self-existent One, the First, within the mighty flood, Laid down the timely embryo from which Prajâpati was born.
64 Let the Hotar sacrifice to Prajâpati from the Mahiman-Soma. Let him accept. Let him drink the Soma. Hotar, sacrifice.
65 Prajâpati, thou only, etc., as in X. 20.

[admin]

BOOK THE TWENTY-FOURTH.

HORSE, hornless goat, Gomriga, these belong to Prajâpati.
A black-necked goat, devoted to Agni, (is to be bound)
in front to the forehead (of the horse); Sarasvatî's ewe
below his jaws; two goats belonging to the Asvins, with
marks on the lower parts of the body, to his fore-legs; a
dark-coloured goat, Soma's and Pûshan's, to his navel; a
white and a black, sacred to Soma and Varna, to his sides;
Tvashtar's two, with bushy tails, to his hind feet; Vâyu's
white goat to his tail; for Indra the Good Worker a cow
who slips her calf; a dwarf belonging to Vishnu.
2 The red goat, the smoky-red, the jujube-red, these belong to
Soma. The brown, the ruddy-brown, the parrot-brown,
these are Varuna's. One with white ear holes, one with
partly white, one with wholly white, belong to Savitar.
One with fore feet white, partly white, wholly white,
belongs to Brihaspati. She goats speckled, with small spots,
with big spots, these belong to Mitra-Varuna.
3 The bright-tailed, the wholly bright-tailed, the jewel-tailed,
these belong to the Asvins. The white, the white-eyed,
the reddish, these are for Rudra Lord of Beasts. Long-eared
goats are for Yama; proud ones for Rudra; cloud-coloured
ones for Parjanya.

p. 219

4 Goats speckled, transversely speckled, upward speckled are
for the Maruts. The reddish she-goat, the red-haired, the
white, these belong to Sarasvatî. The goat with diseased
ears, the short-eared, the red eared are Tvashtar's. The
black-necked, the white-flanked, one with bright-coloured
thighs belong to Indra and Agni. Those with black marks,
small marks, large marks belong to Dawn.
5 Parti-coloured female victims belong to the All-Gods;
red-coloured, eighteen mouths old to Vâk; victims without
distinguishing marks to Aditi; those of one same colour
to Dhâtar; weaned kids sacred to the Consorts of the Gods.
6 Black-necked victims for Agni; white browed for the Vasus;
red for Rudra; bright ones for the Âdityas; cloud-coloured
for Parjanya.
7 The tall goat, the sturdy, the dwarf, these are Indra-Vishnu's;
the tall, the white fore-footed, the black-backed,
Indra-Brihaspati's; parrot-coloured the Vâjins’; speckled
Agni-Maruts’; dark-coloured Pûshan's.
8 Variegated, Indra-Agni's; two-coloured, Agni-Soma's; dwarf
oxen, Agni-Vishnu's; barren cows, Mitra-Varuna's; partly
variegated, Mitra's.
9 Black-necked ones, Agni's; brown, Soma's; white, Vâyu's;
undistinguished, Aditi's; self-coloured, Dhâtar's; weanlings,
the Gods’ Consorts’.
10 Black ones for Earth; smoke-coloured for Firmament; tall
ones for Sky; brindled ones for Lightning; blotched ones
for Stars.
11 Smoke-coloured ones he sacrifices to Spring; white to
Summer; black to the Rains; red ones to Autumn;
speckled to Winter; reddish-yellow to the Dewy Season.
12 Calves eighteen months old to Gâyatrî; steers of two and
a half years to Trishtup; two year old steers to Jagatî;
three year olds to Anushtup; four year olds to Ushnih.
13 Four year old steers to Virâj; full grown bulls to Brihatî;
strong bulls to Kakup; draught oxen to Pankti; milch-cows
to Atichhandas.

p. 220

14 Black-necked victims sacred to Agni; brown to Soma; spotted
to Savitar; weaned she-kids to Sarasvatî; dark-coloured
goats to Pûshan; speckled victims to the Maruts;
many-coloured to the All-Gods; barren cows to Heaven
and Earth.
15 Called contemporary, the dappled belong to Indra-Agni;
black ones to Varuna; speckled to the Maruts; hornless
he-goats to Ka.
16 To Agni foremost in place he sacrifices firstling goats; to
the consuming Maruts those born of one mother; to the
Maruts who perform domestic rites those born after a long
time; to the sportive Maruts those born together; to the
self-strong Maruts those born in succession.
17 Called contemporaneous, the dappled belonging to Indra-Agni;
those with projecting horns to Mahendra; the many-coloured
to Visvakarman.
18 Smoke-coloured, those of brownish hue, to be offered to the
Soma-possessing Fathers; the brown and the smoky-looking
to the Fathers who sit on sacred grass; the black and
the brownish-looking to the Fathers who have been tasted
by Agni; the black and the spotted belong to Tryambaka.
19 Called contemporaneous, the dappled belong to Suna and
Sîra; white ones to Vâyu; white ones to Sûrya.
20 To Spring he offers Kapiñjalas; to Summer sparrows; to
the Rains partridges; to Autumn quails; to Winter.
Kakaras; to the Dewy Season Vikakaras.
21 To the Sea he sacrifices porpoises; to Parjanya frogs; to
the Waters fishes; to Mitra Kulîpayas; to Varuna crocodiles.

p. 221

22 To Soma he sacrifices wild geese; to Vâyu female cranes;
to Indra-Agni curlews; to Mitra divers; to Varuna
Chakravâkas.
23 To Agni he sacrifices cocks; to Vanaspatis owls; to Agni-Soma
blue jays; to the Asvins peacocks; to Mitra-Varuna
pigeons.
24 To Soma he sacrifices quails; to Tvashtar Kaulîkas; Mainas
to the Gods’ Consorts; Kulîkas to the Gods’ Sisters;
Pârushnas to Agni Lord of the Homestead.
25 To Day he sacrifices doves; to Night Sîchâpûs; to the Joints
of Day and Night bats; to the Months gallinules; to the
Year great eagles.
26 To Ground he sacrifices rats; to Firmament field-rats; to
Day voles; to the Quarters mungooses; to the Intermediate
Spaces brownish ichneumons.
27 To the Vasus he sacrifices black-bucks; to the Rudras stags;
to the Âdityas Nyanku deer; to the All-Gods spotted deer;
to the Sâdhyas Kulinga antelopes,
28 To Îsâna he sacrifices wild asses; to Mitra Gauras; to Varuna
buffaloes; to Brihaspati Gayals; to Tvashtar camels.
29 To Prajâpati he sacrifices men elephants; to Vâk white ants;
to Sight flies; to Hearing black bees.
30 To Prajâpati and to Vâyu a Gayal is to be offered; to Varuna
a wild ram; to Yama a black ram; to a human king a
monkey; to the Tiger a red doe; to the Bull a female
Gayal, to the Kshiprasyena a quail; to the Nilangu a
worm; to the Sea a porpoise; to the Snowy Mountain an
elephant.

p. 222

31 The Kinnara belongs to Prajâpati; the Ula, the Halikshna,
the cat belong to Dhâtar; the heron belongs to the Quarters;
the Dhunkshâ to Agni; sparrow, red snake, Sâras,
these are Tvashtar's; the curlew belongs to Vâk.
32 To Soma an antelope is to be offered; wild goat, mungoose,
Sakâ. these are Pûshan's; the jackal is the Mâyu's; the
Gaura Indra's; Pidva, antelope, cock, these are Anumati's;
the Chakravâka is for Echo.
33 The female crane is Sûrya's; Sârga, Srijays, Sayândaka,
these are Mitra's; to Sarasvatî belongs the human-voiced
Maina; to Ground the porcupine; tiger, wolf, viper belong
to Passion; to Sarasvân the human-voiced parrot.
34 The eagle is Parjanya's; the Âti, the Vâhasa, the wood-pecker,
these are for Vâyu; for Brihaspati Lord of Speech
is the Paingarâja; the Alaja belongs to Firmament;
pelican, cormorant, fish, these belong to the Lord of Rivers;
the tortoise belongs to Heaven and Earth.
35 The book belongs to the Moon; iguana, Kâlakâ, woodpecker,
these belong to the Vanaspatis; the cock belongs to Savitar;
the swan is Vâta's; crocodile, dolphin, Kulîpaya,
these belong to the Sea; the porcupine to Modesty.
36 The Black-doe belongs to Day; frog, female rat, partridge,
these belong to the Serpents; the jackal belongs to the
Asvins; the Black-buck to Night; bear, bat, Sushilikâ,
these belong to the Other Folk (i.e. fairies--JBH); the polecat belongs to
Vishnu.

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37 The cuckoo belongs to the Half Months; antelope, peacock,
eagle, these are the Gandharvas’; the otter belongs to
the Months; tortoise, doe-antelope, iguana, Golathikâ
belong to the Apsarases; the black snake belongs to Death.
38 The frog belongs to the Seasons; the vole, the rat, the mouse,
these are the Fathers’; the Python, the Balâva belong to
the Vasus; Kapiñjala, pigeons owl, hare belong to Nirriti;
the wild ram to Varuna.
39 The white animal belongs to the Âdityas; the camel, the
Ghrintîvân, the rhinoceros to Mati; the Srimara belong to
the Forest-God; the Raru buck is Rudra's; Kvayi, cock,
gallinule, these are the Vâjins’; the cuckoo belongs to
Kâma.
40 The Khanga is the All-Gods'; the black dog, the long eared,
the ass, the hyena, these are the Râkshasas; the boar is
for Indra; the lion is for the Maruts; the chameleon,
the Pipoaka, the vulture, these belong to Saravyâ; the
spotted antelope belongs to the All-Gods.

[admin]

BOOK THE TWENTY-FIFTH.

I GRATIFY Fresh Grass with his teeth, Avakâ with his gums,
Clay with his tooth-sockets, Tegas with his fangs. The
tongue-tip for Sarasvatî; I gratify the root of the tongue
and the palate with his neigh, Vâja with his jaws, the
Waters with his mouth, the Stallion with his testicles,
the Âdityas with the beard, Path with his eyebrows,
Heaven and Earth with his eyelashes, Lightning with
the pupils of his eyes. Hail to the white! Hail to the
black! Effectual are his eyelashes, irresistible are his
lower eyelashes; irresistible are his eyelashes, effectual
are his lower eyelashes.
2 With his breath I gratify Vâta; with his outbreath the two
Nostrils; with his lower lip the Upayâma; with his
upper lip Existence. With his bright look I please Antara,
with his reflection Bâhya; the Whirlpool with his head;
Thunder with his frontal bone; the Lightning-flash with
his brain; Lightning with the pupils of his eyes; Hearing
with his external ears; Ears with his internal ears;
Blood with his lower neck; Waters with the fleshless
part of his neck; Thought with the back neck-tendons;
Aditi with his head; Nirriti with his ragged head;
Vital Breathings with his roars; Tempest with his crest.
3 I gratify Flies with his hair; Indra with his active shoulder;
Brihaspati with his quick spring; Tortoises with his
hoofs; Approach with his fetlocks; Kapiñjalas with his
heel-ropes; Speed with his two thighs; the Way with
his two fore-legs; the Forest-God with a kneepan; Agni
with his two knees; Pûshan with his two fore-feet; the
Asvins with his shoulders; Rudra with his shoulder-joints,

p. 225

4 The first rib is Agni's; the second Vâyu's; the third
Indra's; the fourth Soma's; the fifth Aditi's; the sixth
Indrânî's; the seventh the Maruts’; the eighth Brihaspati's;
the ninth Aryaman's; the tenth Dhâtar's; the
eleventh Indra's; the twelfth Varuna's; the thirteenth
Yama's.
5 (On the left side) the first rib belongs to Indra-Agni; the
second to Sarasvatî; the third to Mitra; the fourth to
the Waters; the fifth to Nirriti; the sixth to Agni-Soma;
the seventh to the Serpents; the eighth to Vishnu; the
ninth to Pûshan; the tenth to Tvashtar; the eleventh to
Indra; the twelfth to Varuna; the thirteenth to Yama.
The right flank belongs to Heaven and Earth, the left to
the All-Gods.
6 The shoulders belong to the Maruts; the first rib-cartilages
to the All-Gods; the second to the Rudras; the third to
the Âdityas; the tail belongs to Vâyu; the hind-quarters
to Agni-Soma. I gratify the two Curlews with the hips;
Indra-Brihaspati with the thighs; Mitra-Varuna with
the groins; Approach with the buttocks; Strength with
the two cavities of the loins.
7 I gratify Pûshan with the rectum; Blind-worms with the
large intestines; Serpents with the entrails; Worms with
the guts; the Waters with the bladder; Scrotum with
the testicles; the Vâjins with his penis; Offspring with
his seed; Blue jays with his bile; Fissures with his
arms; Kûshmas with his lumps of dung.
8 His chest belongs to Indra; his belly to Aditi; his clavicles
to the Quarters; his nether hind-part to Aditi. I gratify
Clouds with his aorta; Firmament with his pericardium;
Mist with his belly; the two Chakravâkas with his cardiac
bones; Sky with his kidneys; Mountains with his
ducts; hocks with his spleen; Ant-hills with his lungs;
Shrubs with his heart-vessels; Streams with his veins;
Lakes with his flanks; Sea with his belly; Vaisvânara
with his ashes.

p. 226

9 I gratify Separation with his navel; Butter with his flavour;
the Waters with his broth; Sunbeams with his drops of
fat; Hoar-frost with his heat; Ice with his marrow; Hailstones
with his tears; Thunderbolts with the rheum of
his eyes; Râkshasas with his blood; Bright things with
his limbs; Stars with his beauty; Earth with his skin.
All-hail to Jumbaka!
10 In the beginning rose Hiranyagarbha, etc., as in XIII. 4;
XXIII. 1.
11 Who by his grandeur, etc., as in XXIII. 3.
12 Whose, by his might, are these snow-covered mountains,
and men call sea and Rasâ his possession:
Whose are these arms, whose are these heavenly regions.
What God shall we adore with our oblation?
13 Giver of vital breath, of power and vigour, he whose
commandment all the Gods acknowledge:
The Lord of death, whose shade is life immortal. What
God shall we adore with our oblation?
14 May powers auspicious come to us from every side, never
deceived, unhindered and victorious,
That the Gods ever may be with us for our gain, our guardians
day by day, unceasing in their care.
15 May the auspicious favour of the Gods be ours, on us
descend the bounty of the righteous Gods.
The friendship of the Gods have we devoutly sought: so
may the Gods extend our life that we may live.

p. 227

16 We call them hither with a hymn of olden time, Bhaga, the
friendly Daksha, Mitra, Aditi,
Aryaman, Varuna, Soma, the Asvins. May Sarasvatî, auspicious,
grant felicity.
17 May the Wind waft to us that pleasant medicine, may Earth
our Mother give it, and our Father Heaven,
And the joy-giving stones that press the Soma's juice. Asvins,
may ye, for whom our spirits long, hear this.
18 Him we invoke for aid who reigns supreme, the Lord of all
that stands or moves, inspirer of the soul,
That Pûshan may promote the increase of our wealth, our
keeper and our guard infallible for our good.
19 Illustrious far and wide, may Indra prosper us: may Pûshan
prosper us, the Master of all wealth.
May Târkshya with uninjured fellies prosper us: Brihaspati
vouchsafe to us prosperity.
20 The Maruts, Sons of Prisni, borne by spotted steeds, moving
in glory, oft visiting holy rites,
Sages whose tongue is Agni and their eyes the Sun,——hither
let all the Gods for our protection come.
21 Gods, may we with our ears listen to what is good, and with
our eyes see what is good, ye Holy Ones.
With limbs and bodies firm may we extolling you attain the
term of life appointed by the Gods.
22 A hundred autumns stand before us, O ye Gods, within
whose space ye bring our bodies to decay;
Within whose space our sons become fathers in turn. Break
ye not in the midst our course of fleeting life.
23 Aditi is the heaven, Aditi is mid-air, Aditi is the Mother
and the Sire and Son.

p. 228

Aditi is all Gods, Aditi five-classed men, Aditi all that hath
been born and shall be born.
24 Slight us not Varuna, Aryaman, or Mitra, Ribhukshan,
Indra, Âyu, or the Maruts,
When we declare amid the congregation the virtues of the
Strong Steed, God-descended.
25 What time they bear before the Courser, covered with
trappings and with wealth, the grasped oblation,
The dappled goat goeth straightforward, bleating, to the
place dear to Indra and to Pûshan.
26 Dear to all Gods, this goat, the share of Pûshan, is first led
forward with the vigorous Courser,
While Tvashtar sends him forward with the Charger, acceptable
for sacrifice, to glory.
27 When thrice the men lead round the Steed, in order, who
goeth to the Gods as meet oblation,
The goat precedeth him, the share of Pûshan, and to the
Gods the sacrifice announceth.
28 Invoker, ministering priest, stoner, fire-kindler, Soma-presser,
sage, reciter,
With this well ordered sacrifice, well finished, do ye fill full
the channels of the rivers.
29 The hewers of the post and those who carry it, and those
who carve the knob to deck the Horse's stake;
Those who prepare the cooking-vessels for the Steed,—may
the approving help of these promote our work.
30 Forth, for the regions of the Gods, the Charger with his
smooth back is come; my prayer attends him.
In him rejoice the singer and the sages. A good friend
have we won for the Gods’ banquet.

p. 229

31 May the fleet Courser's halter and his heel-ropes, the headstall
and the girths and cords about him,
And the grass put within his mouth to bait him,—among
the Gods, too, let all these be with thee.
32 What part of the Steed's flesh the fly hath eaten, or is left
sticking to the post or hatchet,
Or to the slayer's hands and nails adhereth,—among the
Gods, tog, may all this he with thee.
33 Food undigested steaming from his belly, and any odour of
raw flesh remaining,
This let the immolators set in order and dress the sacrifice
with perfect cooking.
34 What from thy body which with fire is roasted, when thou
art set upon the spit, distilleth,—
Let not that lie on earth or grass neglected, but to the longing
Gods let all be offered.
35 They who, observing that the Horse is ready, call out and
say, The smell is good; remove it;
And, craving meat, await the distribution,—may their
approving help promote our labour.
36 The trial-fork of the flesh cooking caldron, the vessels out
of which the broth is sprinkled,
The warming-pots, the covers of the dishes, hooks,
carving-boards,—all these attend the Charger.
37 Let not the fire, smoke-scented, make thee crackle, nor
glowing caldron smell and break to pieces.
Offered, beloved, approved, and consecrated,—such Charger
do the Gods accept with favour.
38 The starting-place, his place of rest and rolling, the ropes
wherewith the Charger's feet were fastened,
The water that he drank, the food he tasted,—among the
Gods, too, may all these attend thee.
39 The robe they spread upon the Horse to clothe him, the
upper covering and the golden trappings,
The halters which restrain the Steed, the heel-ropes,—all
these, as grateful to the Gods, they offer.
40 If one, when seated, with excessive urging hath with his
heel or with his whip distressed thee,
All these thy woes, as with oblation's ladle at sacrifices,
with my prayer I banish.
41 The four-and-thirty ribs of the swift Courser, kin to the
Gods, the slayer's hatchet pierces.

p. 230

Cut ye with skill so that the parts be flawless, and piece by
piece declaring them dissect them.
42 Of Tvashtar's Courser there is one dissector: this is the
custom: two there are who guide him.
Such of his limbs as I divide in order, all these, amid the
lumps, in fire I offer.
43 Let not thy dear soul burn thee as thou comest, let not the
hatchet linger in thy body.
Let not a greedy clumsy immolator, missing the joints,
mangle thy limbs unduly.
44 No, here thou diest not, thou art not injured: only by easy
paths to Gods thou goest.
Both Bays, both Spotted Mares are now thy fellows, and to
the Ass's pole is yoked the Courser.
45 May this Steed bring us all-sustaining riches, wealth in
good kine, good horses, manly offspring.
Freedom from sin may Aditi vouchsafe us; the Steed with
our oblations gain us lordship!
46 We will, with Indra and all Gods to help us, bring these
existing worlds into subjection.
With the Âdityas, with the band of Maruts, may Indra
give us medicine to heal us.
Our sacrifice, our bodies, and our offspring may Indra
regulate with the Âdityas.
47 O Agni, be our nearest Friend, etc., as in III. 25.
To thee then, O Most Bright, etc., as in III. 26.

[admin]

BOOK THE TWENTY-SIXTH.

AGNI and Prithivî, closely connected, may they bring low for
me the boon I mention.
Vâyu and Firmament, closely connected, may they, etc.
Closely connected Dyaus and the Âditya, may they, etc.
Closely connected Varuna and Waters, may they, etc.
Lord of the seven communities and her who forms all beings,
eighth,
Make our ways full of pleasantness: may So-and-So and I
agree.
2 That I to all the people may address this salutary speech,
To priest and nobleman, Sûdra and Arya, to one of our own
kin and to the stranger.
Dear may I be to Gods and guerdon-giver. Fulfilled be this
my hope: be that my portion!
3 Give us, Brihaspati, that wondrous treasure, that which
exceeds the merit of the foeman,
Which shines among the folk effectual, splendid, that, Son
of Law, which is with might refulgent.
Taken upon a base art thou. Thee for Brihaspati. This is
thy home. Thee for Brihaspati,
4 Come hither, Indra, rich in kine! Drink Soma, Lord of
Hundred Powers,
Effused by braying pressing-stones.
Taken upon a base art thou. Thee for Indra, rich in kine.
This is thy home. Thee for Indra, rich in kine.

p. 232

5 O Indra, Vritra-slayer, come. Drink Soma, Lord of
Hundred Powers,
Expressed with stones whose wealth is kine.
Taken upon a base art thou, etc., as in verse 4.
6 Vaisvânara the righteous One, the Lord of sacrifice and light,
The heat that wasteth not, we seek.
Taken upon a base art thou. Thee for Vaisvânara.
This is thy home: thee for Vaisvânara.
7 Still in Vaisvânara's grace may we continue: yea, he is
King Supreme o’er all things living.
Sprung hence to life upon this All he looketh. Vaisvânara
hath rivalry with Sûrya.
Taken upon a base art thou, etc., as in verse 6.
8 Hitherward come Vaisvânara to succour us from far away,
Agni through laud that brings him near!
Taken upon a base, etc, as in verse 6.
9 Agni is Pavamâna, Sage, the Tribe-Priest of the Races Five:
To him of mighty wealth we pray.
Taken upon a base art thou. Thee for lustre. This is thy
home. Thee for lustre.
10 May mighty Indra, thunder-armed, may Shodasî protect us
well, and slay the wicked man who hateth us.
Taken upon a base art thou. Thee for Mahendra. This is
thy home. Thee for Mahendra.
11 As cows low to their calves in stalls so with our songs we
glorify
This Indra, e’en your wondrous God who checks assault,
who joys in the delicious juice.
12 Agni's is the most fetching song. Shine mightily, thou rich
in light!
Like the Chief Consort of a King, riches and strength proceed
from thee.

p. 233

13 Come, here, O Agni, will I sing verily other songs to thee,
And with these drops shalt thou grow strong.
14 The Seasons spread thy sacrifice! the Mouths protect thine
offering!
May the Year guard our sacrifice for thee and keep our children
safe.
15 There where the mountains downward slope, there by the
meeting of the streams
The sage was manifest with song.
16 High is thy juice's birth: though sat in heaven, on earth it
hath obtained
Strong sheltering power and great renown.
17 Finder of room and freedom, flow for Indra, meet for worship,
flow
For Varuna and the Marut host.
18 Striving to win, with him we gain all wealth of the ungodly
one,
Yea, all the glories of mankind.
19 May we be prosperous with brave sons, cattle, horses, each
wish of ours, and varied blessings,
With quadrupeds, and with the men about us. May the
Gods guide our sacrifice in season.
20 O Agni, bring thou hitherward the yearning Consorts of the
Gods
Bring Tvashtar to the Soma-draught.
21 O Neshtar girt by Dames, accept our sacrifice: with Ritu
drink,
For thou art he who giveth wealth.

p. 234

22 He with the Ritus fain would drink, Wealth-river, from the
Neshtar's bowl.
Begin, pay offerings: hasten ye.
28 Thine is this Soma: come thou near, approach it. Drink
thou thereof, benevolent, and cease not.
Sit on the sacred grass at this our worship, and take these
drops into thy belly, Indra.
24 Come unto us, ye swift to listen! as at home, upon the
sacred grass sit and enjoy yourselves.
And, Tvashtar, well content be joyful in the juice with Gods
and Goddesses in gladsome company.
25 In sweetest and most gladdening stream flow pure, O Soma,
on thy way,
Pressed out for Indra, for his drink.
26 Fiend-queller, Friend of all men, he hath in the vat attained
unto
His place, his iron-fashioned home.

[admin]

BOOK THE TWENTY-SEVENTH

1 HALF-YEARS and Seasons strengthen thee, O Agni, the Years and all the Verities and Rishis! Flash forth with thy celestial effulgence: illumine all four regions of the heaven.
2 Kindle thee, Agni, rake this man to knowledge: rise up erect for great and happy fortune. Agni, be those uninjured who adore thee, thy priests be glorious and none beside them!
3 The Brahmans present here elect thee, Agni: be thou propitious in our sanctuary. Slayer of rivals, Agni, quell our foemen: watch in thy house with care that never ceases.
4 Even here do thou, O Agni, stablish wealth: let not oppressors injure thee by thinking of thee first. Light be thy task of ruling, Agni, with thy power: may he who worships thee wax strong, invincible.
5 Kind to the people, grasp thy power, O Agni: contend thou with the Friend by way of friendship. Placed, Agni, in the centre of our kinsmen, flash forth to be invoked by Kings around thee.
6 Past those who slay, past enemies, past thoughtless men, past those who hate,— Yes, Agni, drive away all woe and trouble: vouchsafe us opulence with men about us.
7 Holder of sway, shine here refulgent, Agni! invincible, unconquered Jâtavedas. Light all the regions, chasing human terrors: with happy helps guard us to-day for increase.
8 Brihaspati, Savitar, give this man knowledge: sharpen him thoroughly though already sharpened. To great and high felicity exalt him: in him let all the Gods rejoice and triumph.
9 As thou, Brihaspati, from curse hast freed us, from dwelling yonder in the realm of Yama, The Asvins, Leeches of the Gods, O Agni, have chased Death far from us with mighty powers.
10 Looking upon the loftier light, etc., as in XX. 21.
11 Uplifted are the brands that are his fuel: lofty and brilliant are the flames of Agni, Splendidly bright of the Son fair of aspect.
13 Tanûnapât the Asura, all-possessing, God among Gods, the God with mead and butter shall bedew the paths.
13 With mead to sacrifice thou comest, Agni, earnest as friendly-minded Narâsamsa, and Savitar righteous God who brings all blessings.
14 He cometh hitherward with power and fatness, the luminous, implored with adoration. While rites proceed the ladles move to Agni.
15 Let him pay worship to this Agni's greatness, daintily fed: he verily gives enjoyments: The wisest Vasu he, and best wealth giver.
16 Widely expansive, ruling by foundation, the Doors divine—and, after, all—Preserve this Agni's holy works.
17 May Dawn and Night protect—his heavenly Consorts—in a his home this our sacrificial worship.
18 Ye two celestial Hotars, greet with praises this lofty rite of ours, the tongue of Agni. Cause that our sacrifice be well conducted.
19 Upon this grass three Goddesses be seated, Idâ, Sarasvatî, Bhâratî the Mighty glorified with song.
20 This our productive wondrous flow may Tvashtar pour down on this man's kin, and wealth and heroes.
21 Vanaspatî, presenting of thyself, send God-ward! Let Agni, Immolator, season our oblation.
22 Pay sacrifice to Indra, Jâtavedas Agni! with Hail! All Gods accept the gift we offer!
23 Wise, bright, arranger of his teams, he seeketh men with rich food whose treasures are abundant. They have stood firm of one accord with Vâyu: yea, the men wrought all noble operations.
24 The God whom both these worlds brought forth for riches, whom heavenly Dhishanâ for our wealth appointeth— His team of harnessed horses waits on Vâyu and, foremost, on the radiant treasure-holder.
26 What time the mighty waters came containing the universal germ, producing Agni, Thence sprang the Gods’ one spirit into being. What God shall we adore with our oblation?
26 Who in his might surveyed the floods enclosing productive force and generating Worship, He who is God mid Gods, and none beside him—What God shall we adore with our oblation?
27 The teams wherewith thou seekest him who offers, within his house, O Vâyu, to direct him, Therewith send wealth to us with full enjoyment, a hero son and gifts of kine and horses.
28 With thy yoked teams in hundreds and in thousands come to our sacrifice and solemn worship. O Vâyu, make thee glad at this libation. Preserve us evermore, ye Gods, with blessings.
29 Drawn by thy team, O Vâyu, come: to thee is offered this, the pure. Thou visitest the presser's house.
30 Vâyu, the bright is offered thee, best of the meath at holy rites. Come thou to drink the Soma juice, God longed-for, on thy team-drawn car.
31 Lover of worship, leader, come Vâyu with thought, to sacrifice, Propitious with propitious teams!
32 With all the thousand chariots that are thine, O Vâyu, come to us, Team-drawn, to drink the Soma juice.
33 Come thou with one, and ten, O Self-Existent! with two unto the sacrifice, and twenty. Three are the teams and thirty which convey thee. O Vâyu, in this place unyoke thy coursers.
34 Wonderful Vâyu, Lord of Truth, thou who art Tvashtar's Son in-law, Thy saving succour we elect.
35 Like kine unmilked we call aloud, Hero, to thee and sing thy praise, Looker on heavenly light, Lord of this moving world, Lord, Indra! of what moveth not.
36 None other like to thee, of earth or of the heavens, hath been or ever will be born. Desiring horses, Indra, Bounteous Lord! and kine, as men of might we call on thee.
37 That we may win us wealth and power, we poets call on only thee. In war men call on thee, Indra! the hero's Lord, in the steed's race-course call on thee.
38 As such, O Wonderful, whose hand holds thunder, praised as mighty, Caster of the Stone! Pour on us boldly, Indra, kine and chariot-steeds ever to be the conqueror's strength.
39 What succour will he bring to us, wonderful, ever-prospering Friend? With what most mighty company?
40 What, genuine and most liberal draught will spirit thee with juice to burst Open e’en strongly-guarded wealth.
41 Do thou who art protector of us thy friends who praise thee With hundred aids approach us.
42 Sing to your Agni with each song, at every sacrifice, for strength. Come, let us praise the Wise and Everlasting God even as a well-belovèd Friend.
43 Protect us, Agni, through the first, protect us through the second hymn. Protect us through three hymns, O Lord of Power and Might; through four hymns, Vasu! guard thou us.
44 The Son of Strength; for is he not our Friend? Let us serve him for offering our gifts. In battles may he be our help and strengthener, yea, be the saviour of our lives.
45 Thou art Samvatsara; thou art Parivatsara; thou art Idâvatsara; thou art Idvatsara; thou art Vatsara. Prosper thy Dawns! Prosper thy Day-and-Nights! Prosper thy Half-months, Months, Seasons, and Years! Combine them for their going and their coming, and send
them forward on their ordered courses. In eagle's shape thou art piled up and layered. With that divinity, Angiras-like, lie steady.